Discerning Eye Salary

As of August 2026, the average annual salary for employees at Discerning Eye in the United States is $84,553. This translates to an approximate hourly wage of $41. Salaries at Discerning Eye typically range from $74,362 to $95,600 annually, reflecting the diverse roles and experience levels within the company.

How Much Does Discerning Eye Pay for Different Roles?

Explore detailed salary information for specific jobs at Discerning Eye. Based on our data, the highest paying job is the Co-Founder, with an annual salary of $654,513. The table below outlines the annual salary ranges for most popular roles within the company.
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Is Discerning Eye’s Pay Competitive? Salary Benchmarking Analysis

How does Discerning Eye's compensation stack up against the industry and its key competitors? Our salary benchmarking analysis provides a clear comparison. The chart below visualizes this comparison alongside select peer companies.
Competitor / Benchmark Avg. Salary Variance Primary Market Influence Factor & Explanation
Glimpse Vision $95,259
+12.7%
Supported by Glimpse Vision's high-margin contracts allowing higher overhead.
Trade Mission Inc $93,297
+10.3%
Adjusted for higher cost-of-living indices in Trade Mission Inc's primary metro hubs.
PrimeOne Polymers Inc $99,130
+17.2%
Data suggests PrimeOne Polymers Inc's workforce skews heavily towards veteran, high-tenure roles.
Akosha Swimwear $87,643
+3.7%
Reflects structural premiums typical of Akosha Swimwear's large-cap national operations.
Retail & Wholesale Industry $123,318
+45.8%
Pay variances are driven by organizational scale, specialized skill requirements, or geographic cost-of-living factors.
Need More Granular Data? The analysis above provides a high-level market overview. To benchmark specific job codes, adjust for real-time cost-of-living changes, or access verified HR-reported datasets, upgrade to Salary.com for Business. Precision matters when building your compensation strategy.

Employee Reviews: Working at Discerning Eye

Considering a career at Discerning Eye? Explore authentic employee reviews to learn about the work environment, career growth opportunities, pay transparency and benefits. These first-hand insights can help you set realistic compensation expectations and make informed career decisions.
The company also prioritizes sustainability, which I admire. I’ve had opportunities to develop new skills and take on challenging projects, which have helped me grow professionally. I started in an entry-level role and was promoted within a year due to clear performance metrics. The company also supports continuing education, which is a huge plus.
A standard retail job with good structure. Nothing extraordinary, but a solid place to work. A solid employer in the retail space. Colleagues are talented and supportive, making teamwork seamless. Good employee discounts. Standard retail job with typical challenges. The compensation is fair, and there are good advancement opportunities.
I appreciate the work-life balance this company offers. Coworkers are supportive, and teamwork is a core value. Colleagues are professional, and the workload is manageable. The company supports professional growth, and the team feels like family.

Discerning Eye Overview

Website
www.discerningeyeoptical.com
Founded In
2005
Employees
<25 employees
Industry
Retail & Wholesale
Headquarter Address
218 E Washington St Iowa City Iowa IA 52240
Revenue
<$5 Million
Phone Number
+1 3193386800
Social Media
About Discerning Eye
Discerning Eye is Eastern Iowa's foremost award winning optical boutique and THE place to find unique and exclusive eyewear and sunglasses in Eastern Iowa. We provide personalized, friendly and informed service to help make choosing your new eyewear a wonderful experience. Find the perfect eyewear for your style and personality with a personal eyewear consultation from our friendly and certified o

What Benefits Does Discerning Eye Offer Beyond Salary?

A competitive compensation package is more than just a salary. Discerning Eye offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial future, and overall well-being. Below are the most common key benefits:
Social Security
401(K)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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How Much Should You Be Earning?

Get an estimated calculation of how much you should be earning and insight into your career options.

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What Is the Cost of Living Near Iowa City?

Understanding the cost of living near Iowa City is key to truly evaluating a salary offer or your current compensation at Discerning Eye.
Iowa City's Cost of Living Index is approximately 94.7 (5.3% less expensive than US average; 5.3% more than IA average). Home to University of Iowa, housing more expensive than typical IA due to university. IC Transit, Cambus (free UofI). When planning your budget based on a salary from Discerning Eye, consider these typical monthly expenses:
Expense Category Estimated Monthly Cost Key Considerations / Notes
Housing (1-BR Apt Rent) $950 - $1,500+ A significant portion of Discerning Eye salary. Location choices impact this heavily.
Utilities (Basic) $130 - $220 Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water etc.
Public Transportation $30 (IC Transit monthly pass) Essential for most commuters; car ownership is costly.
Groceries (Single Person) $380 - $560 Can be higher with more dining out or specialty stores.
Personal & Leisure $350 - $650+ Dining out, entertainment, shopping. Highly variable.
Healthcare (Individual) $360 - $660+ Varies significantly by plan & employer contribution.
Subtotal (Excluding Taxes) $2,200 - $3,590+ This subtotal does not include income taxes (federal, state, local), which can significantly impact your take-home pay.

FAQs of Discerning Eye

1. What is the estimated average total compensation at Discerning Eye?

Salary.com estimates that the average total compensation package at Discerning Eye, which can include base salary, potential bonuses, and benefits, is around $84,553 annually . Total compensation provides a more holistic view of an employee's earnings.

2. How much does Discerning Eye pay compared to Glimpse Vision?

The average annual salary at Discerning Eye is $84,553, or an hourly wage of $41, in comparison to Glimpse Vision which pays $95,259 per year or $46 per hour.

3. Do salaries differ significantly between departments at Discerning Eye?

Yes, salaries often differ between departments at Discerning Eye due to varying market demand for specific skill sets and the nature of the roles. For example, technical roles in Engineering or IT may command different salary ranges compared to roles in Marketing or Human Resources.

4. What's the typical salary progression for an employee moving from an entry-level to a senior role at Discerning Eye?

Salary progression from an entry-level to a senior role at Discerning Eye can be significant, often involving several promotions and substantial pay increases. For example, an entry-level Analyst might see their salary potentially double or more as they progress to a Senior Manager or Director position over several years, assuming strong performance and development.

5. How can I determine if a salary offer from Discerning Eye in Iowa City is fair given the local cost of living?

To determine if a salary offer from Discerning Eye in Iowa City is fair, first compare the gross salary to our data for similar roles at Discerning Eye and its competitors (see our similar company salaries section) . Then, critically, use our "Cost of Living Insights for Iowa City" to understand its purchasing power.

6. Are promotions at Discerning Eye usually accompanied by a significant salary increase?

Yes, promotions at Discerning Eye are generally accompanied by a salary increase. The amount of the increase typically reflects the greater responsibilities, skills, and scope of the new role. The percentage increase can vary widely depending on the level of promotion and the company's compensation structure.