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Average Optometrists Salary in New York

Optometrists in New York earn an impressive average annual salary of $158,600, surpassing the national average of $141,560. This elevated compensation is largely driven by New York's dynamic economic landscape and the specialized nature of optometric care within the state, reflecting both demand and the cost of operating a practice.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $158,600 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 13.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $196,270.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 2,500 Optometrists and a Location Quotient of 0.96, New York presents a robust job market for these professionals. While the concentration is slightly below the national average, the sheer size of the workforce indicates a significant and stable demand for optometric services, suggesting a healthy and consistent employment environment.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$158,600

The average Optometrists in New York earns+12.0%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$76.3

Weekly

$3,050

Monthly

$13,217

Optometrists Salary Distribution in New York

The salary progression for Optometrists in New York typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience can command salaries in the upper percentiles. These percentile gaps highlight the clear career trajectory and earning potential available as one advances in the field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience.10% (Entry)$108,190$52
Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures.25% (Junior)$118,950$57.2
Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification.50% (Median)$163,040$78.4
SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases.75% (Senior)$198,250$95.3
Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider.90% (Expert)$196,270$94.4

Detailed Optometrists Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$158,600

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$126,779

Adjusted for COL (125.1)

While the nominal salary of $158,600 is substantial, New York's Cost of Living Index of 125.1 means that this income will not stretch as far as it would in a more affordable region. After accounting for the 25.1% higher cost of living compared to the national average, the effective purchasing power of an Optometrist's salary in New York is moderated, though still likely competitive.

Job Market Context

2,500

Total Jobs

0.262

Per 1K Jobs

0.96

Location Quotient

Below Average

New York has 0.96x 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 0.96 indicates that Optometrists are present in New York at a concentration very close to the national average. This suggests a balanced market where the demand for optometric services aligns closely with the supply of professionals, neither indicating an oversaturated nor a severely undersupplied market, making it a stable environment for practitioners.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Optometrists

CitySalaryDist.
Binghamton, NY Optometrists Salary$133,380↓ 16%49 mi
Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA Optometrists Salary$136,400↓ 14%64 mi
Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY Optometrists Salary$148,770↓ 6%68 mi

Comparing salaries near New York

Hiring Optometristss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Optometrists make in New York?

The median annual salary for a Optometrists in New York is $158,600. This typically ranges from $108,190 for entry-level positions to $196,270 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in New York is 12.0% higher than the national median of $141,560.

Is New York a lucrative place for Optometrists?

Yes, New York is a lucrative place for Optometrists.Optometrists in New York earn an average of $158,600, significantly higher than the national average, indicating strong earning potential despite a higher cost of living.

Is New York a good place to live for Optometrists?

The Cost of Living Index in New York is 125.1. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near New York?

Some top paying nearby cities include Binghamton, NY ($133,380) and Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA.

How does the New York Optometrist salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Optometrists in New York is $158,600, which is notably higher than the national average of $141,560.

What is the concentration of Optometrists in New York compared to the rest of the country?

New York has a Location Quotient of 0.96 for Optometrists, meaning the concentration is very close to the national average, indicating a balanced job market.

How does the cost of living affect the Optometrist salary in New York?

With a Cost of Living Index of 125.1, New York is 25.1% more expensive than the national average. This means the $158,600 salary has reduced purchasing power compared to lower-cost states, though it remains a high nominal income.

What is the total number of Optometrists working in New York?

There are approximately 2,500 Optometrists employed within New York state, reflecting a substantial professional community.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,500 employees in the New York area with a job density of 0.262 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 York