Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How does Optometrists salary grow from entry-level to senior in South Dakota? State salary progression based on 2025 BLS data.
93% career growth potentialData: BLS OEWS 2025 • South Dakota salary data • Updated 2026-05-19
The salary range for Optometrists in South Dakota spans from $90,560 at entry-level to $174,920 at senior level — a difference of $84,360 per year.
Senior Optometristss in South Dakota earn $84,360 more per year than entry-level professionals.
Complete percentile breakdown showing how Optometrists salary increases with experience in South Dakota, from entry-level (10th percentile) to senior (90th percentile).
| Experience Level | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level | P10 | $90,560 | $7,547 | $43.54 |
| Early Career | P25 | $94,350 | $7,862 | $45.36 |
| Mid-Career | Median | $102,320 | $8,527 | $49.19 |
| Experienced | P75 | $133,200 | $11,100 | $64.04 |
| Senior / Expert | P90 | $174,920 | $14,577 | $84.10 |
Optometrists in South Dakota has a moderate salary progression with a 93% growth from entry-level ($90,560) to senior ($174,920). While the growth potential is steady, professionals looking to maximize earnings may benefit from specialization, advanced certifications, or gaining experience in higher-paying states. The gap between median ($102,320) and P90 ($174,920) shows there is still room for meaningful growth beyond mid-career.
Where does South Dakota rank for Optometrists senior-level salaries? Compare South Dakota's P90 pay to other top-paying states.
Entry-level Optometristss (10th percentile) earn approximately $90,560 per year, or $7,546 per month. Early-career professionals (25th percentile) earn around $94,350. Based on 2025 BLS OEWS data across all U.S. states.
Senior Optometristss (90th percentile) earn approximately $174,920 per year. Experienced professionals (75th percentile) earn around $133,200. This represents a career premium of 93% over entry-level pay.
The career salary growth potential for Optometristss is 93%. Entry-level professionals start at $90,560, while senior-level can earn up to $174,920 — a difference of $84,360 per year.
The highest-paying state for senior Optometristss is South Dakota, where 90th-percentile salaries reach $174,920 per year. See the full state-by-state comparison above.
We use BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) 2025 data. The 10th percentile (P10) approximates entry-level pay — the salary that 90% of workers earn more than. The 90th percentile (P90) approximates senior/expert-level pay — only 10% of workers earn above this threshold. National averages are computed across all reporting U.S. states.
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Salary percentile data for South Dakota from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025. P10 approximates entry-level compensation; P90 approximates senior/expert-level compensation. State averages differ from national averages due to regional variations in cost of living, demand, and workforce composition. Actual salaries vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and specific location within South Dakota.
Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS