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Average Optometrists Salary in New Jersey

Optometrists in New Jersey earn an impressive average annual salary of $145,500, exceeding the national average of $141,560. This elevated compensation reflects the state's robust healthcare sector and the specialized demand for vision care professionals. Factors such as the concentration of healthcare facilities and the overall economic landscape likely contribute to this favorable pay scale.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $145,500 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 12.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $183,010.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 950 Optometrists and a Location Quotient of 0.82, New Jersey presents a stable, albeit slightly below-average concentration, job market for these professionals. The number of jobs per 1,000 workers (0.223) indicates a consistent, ongoing need for optometrists, suggesting a healthy demand that supports current employment levels.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$145,500

The average Optometrists in New Jersey earns+2.8%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$70

Weekly

$2,798

Monthly

$12,125

Optometrists Salary Distribution in New Jersey

Salary progression for Optometrists in New Jersey typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and a proven track record can command salaries in the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior salaries signifies clear career advancement opportunities and increased earning potential.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience.10% (Entry)$49,920$24
Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures.25% (Junior)$109,125$52.5
Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification.50% (Median)$156,000$75
SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases.75% (Senior)$181,875$87.4
Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider.90% (Expert)$183,010$88

Detailed Optometrists Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$145,500

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$129,448

Adjusted for COL (112.4)

While the average annual salary for Optometrists in New Jersey is $145,500, the state's Cost of Living Index of 112.4 (meaning it's 12.4% higher than the national average) requires careful consideration. This higher cost of living means that the purchasing power of the $145,500 salary is somewhat diminished compared to living in a more affordable region, though it remains a substantial income.

Job Market Context

950

Total Jobs

0.223

Per 1K Jobs

0.82

Location Quotient

Below Average

New Jersey has 0.82x the national average concentration of Optometrists jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

The Location Quotient of 0.82 suggests that Optometrists are slightly less concentrated in New Jersey compared to the national average. This indicates that while the profession is well-established, the market is not oversaturated, potentially offering good opportunities for skilled practitioners. The demand appears steady, with a workforce of 950 professionals serving the state's population.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Optometrists

CitySalaryDist.
New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ Optometrists Salary$154,620↑ 6%39 mi
Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD Optometrists Salary$149,760↑ 3%42 mi
Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ Optometrists Salary$141,850↓ 3%54 mi

Comparing salaries near New Jersey

Hiring Optometristss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Optometrists make in New Jersey?

The median annual salary for a Optometrists in New Jersey is $145,500. This typically ranges from $49,920 for entry-level positions to $183,010 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in New Jersey is 2.8% higher than the national median of $141,560.

Is New Jersey a lucrative place for Optometrists?

Yes, New Jersey is a lucrative place for Optometrists.Optometrists in New Jersey earn an average of $145,500 annually, which is higher than the national average. Despite a higher cost of living, the nominal salary remains very competitive.

Is New Jersey a good place to live for Optometrists?

The Cost of Living Index in New Jersey is 112.4. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near New Jersey?

Some top paying nearby cities include New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ ($154,620) and Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD.

What is the average salary for an Optometrist in New Jersey?

The average annual salary for an Optometrist in New Jersey is $145,500.

How does New Jersey's Optometrist salary compare to the national average?

Optometrists in New Jersey earn approximately $3,940 more per year on average than their national counterparts.

Is the job market for Optometrists strong in New Jersey?

The job market appears stable with a consistent need for Optometrists, as indicated by the jobs per 1,000 workers metric.

How does the cost of living affect an Optometrist's salary in New Jersey?

The cost of living in New Jersey is 12.4% higher than the national average, meaning that while the salary is high, the purchasing power is slightly reduced compared to more affordable states.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 950 employees in the New Jersey area with a job density of 0.223 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Optometrists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in New Jersey