Optometrists Salary in Milwaukee, WI

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI

Median annual salary $142,380 +5.6% vs national
Median hourly $68.45
10th percentile $79,040
90th percentile $212,440
Employed locally 220
National median $134,830

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Optometrists
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Milwaukee, WI
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $79,040
    25th
    $109,300
    50th (median)
    $142,380
    75th
    $166,760
    90th
    $212,440

    Milwaukee economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.20% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $76,404 2023 • Census ACS
    Optometrists salary vs area income 186% Median Optometrists salary is 86% above the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Optometrists

    Metro areaMedian salary
    La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN $176,930
    Asheville, NC $167,980
    Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area $166,920
    Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA $165,870
    Alaska $165,830
    Reno, NV $165,060

    Nearby metros — Optometrists salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN $176,930
    Winston-Salem, NC $162,090
    Wilmington, NC $155,760
    Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI $155,310
    Kennewick-Richland, WA $151,320
    Green Bay, WI $144,010

    Related occupations in Milwaukee, WI

    OccupationMedian salary
    Registered Nurses $83,990
    Pharmacy Technicians $46,100
    Physicians, All Other $218,460
    Nurse Practitioners $129,760
    Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses $62,320
    Dental Hygienists $82,540

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Optometrists make per hour in Milwaukee?

    The median hourly wage for Optometrists in Milwaukee, WI is $68.45, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $99.54 or more per hour.

    Is Milwaukee above or below average for Optometrists salaries?

    The median Optometrists salary in Milwaukee, WI is 5.6% above the national median of $134,830. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Optometrists in Milwaukee?

    Entry-level Optometrists (10th percentile) earn around $79,040 per year in Milwaukee, WI. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $109,300.