Optometrists in Iowa
Want to work as an Optometrists in Iowa? Here’s what you need to know. Diagnose, manage, and treat conditions and diseases of the human eye and visual system. Examine eyes and visual system, diagnose problems or impairments, prescribe corrective lenses, and provide treatment. May prescribe therapeutic drugs to treat specific eye conditions. Ophthalmologists are included in “Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric” (29-1241).
What do Optometrists Make in Iowa?
For a optometrists working in Iowa, the typical annual salary is $119,990 per year (or about $57.69/hour).Pay can range from $77,000 at the 10th percentile to $178,520 at the 90th percentile.
| Wage Statistic | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $77,000 | $37.02 |
| 25th percentile | $84,780 | $40.76 |
| Median (50th) | $119,990 | $57.69 |
| 75th percentile | $159,030 | $76.46 |
| 90th percentile | $178,520 | $85.83 |
The location quotient — a measure of how concentrated this occupation is in Iowa compared to the national average — is 1.08.
National Wage Comparison
Nationally, optometrists earn a median of $116,847 per year ($56.18/hour), above the Iowa median.
Employment Outlook
There are roughly 1,080,119 optometrists in the U.S.. In Iowa alone, approximately 460 people work in this role. That trails the typical state, which employs around 480 optometrists.
Top Iowa Metros for Optometrists
The largest metro-area employers of optometrists in Iowa.
| Metro Area | Number Employed | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | 120 | $127,140 |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | 40 | $121,930 |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL | 40 | $118,910 |
Top States for Optometrists Employment
View the states that employ the most optometrists work.
| State | Number Employed |
|---|---|
| California | 6,790 |
| Texas | 3,180 |
| New York | 2,500 |
| Florida | 2,280 |
| Illinois | 1,670 |
| Pennsylvania | 1,530 |
| Ohio | 1,450 |
| North Carolina | 1,400 |
| Michigan | 1,330 |
| Massachusetts | 1,120 |
| Virginia | 1,120 |
| Colorado | 980 |
| Indiana | 960 |
| Arizona | 960 |
| New Jersey | 950 |
| Washington | 930 |
| Maryland | 870 |
| Georgia | 860 |
| Wisconsin | 750 |
| Minnesota | 700 |
Highest-Paying States for Optometrists
Where optometrists earn the most: optometrists.
| State | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Alaska | $165,830 |
| New York | $163,040 |
| Maryland | $157,830 |
| Washington | $157,650 |
| New Jersey | $156,000 |
| Vermont | $156,000 |
| New Mexico | $154,630 |
| District of Columbia | $154,300 |
| North Carolina | $153,750 |
| Massachusetts | $150,820 |
Skills
The most important optometrists skills, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Knowledge Areas
Core knowledge areas for this occupation, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Abilities
The abilities that matter most for optometrists, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Daily Tasks
Day-to-day, optometrists typically:
- Examine eyes, using observation, instruments, and pharmaceutical agents, to determine visual acuity and perception, focus, and coordination and to diagnose diseases and other abnormalities, such as glaucoma or color blindness.
- Analyze test results and develop a treatment plan.
- Prescribe, supply, fit and adjust eyeglasses, contact lenses, and other vision aids.
- Prescribe medications to treat eye diseases if state laws permit.
- Educate and counsel patients on contact lens care, visual hygiene, lighting arrangements, and safety factors.
- Remove foreign bodies from the eye.
- Provide patients undergoing eye surgeries, such as cataract and laser vision correction, with pre- and post-operative care.
- Consult with and refer patients to ophthalmologist or other health care practitioner if additional medical treatment is determined necessary.
- Prescribe therapeutic procedures to correct or conserve vision.
- Provide vision therapy and low-vision rehabilitation.
Work Activities
- Assisting and Caring for Others
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
- Documenting/Recording Information
- Getting Information
- Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
- Processing Information
- Analyzing Data or Information
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
- Working with Computers
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
Tools & Technology
Technologies frequently used: Hot technologies: Apple Safari In-demand technologies: Apple Safari
What Major Will Prepare You For This Career?
Several college majors map to this occupation:
Related Careers
Other careers like optometrists include:
- Chiropractors
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
- Podiatrists
- Nurse Practitioners
- Audiologists
- Anesthesiologists
Also Known As
Optometrist, Optometry Doctor (OD), Therapeutic Optometrist.
References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — https://www.bls.gov/oes/
- O*NET Online — https://www.onetonline.org/
- BLS Employment Projections — https://www.bls.gov/emp/
- O*NET-SOC code: 29-1041.00
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