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Average Optometrists Salary in Pennsylvania

Optometrists in Pennsylvania earn an average annual salary of $135,880, which is slightly below the national average of $141,560. This variance can be attributed to a combination of factors including the local demand for eye care professionals and the state's specific economic landscape. While slightly lower than the national benchmark, Pennsylvania offers a stable environment for these vital healthcare providers.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $135,880 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 9.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $175,410.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,530 Optometrists and a Location Quotient of 0.93, Pennsylvania presents a moderately concentrated job market. This indicates a presence of Optometrists that is nearly in line with the national average, suggesting a steady demand for their services without an oversupply. The figure of 0.254 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores a consistent need for eye care professionals within the state.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$135,880

The average Optometrists in Pennsylvania earns-4.0%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$65.3

Weekly

$2,613

Monthly

$11,323

Optometrists Salary Distribution in Pennsylvania

The career trajectory for Optometrists in Pennsylvania typically involves significant salary growth from entry-level to senior positions. Early-career professionals may start in the lower percentiles, earning less as they gain experience and build their patient base. As Optometrists accumulate years of practice, develop specialized skills, and potentially take on leadership roles, their compensation can ascend into the higher salary percentiles, reflecting their expertise and value to employers and patients.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience.10% (Entry)$79,310$38.1
Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures.25% (Junior)$101,910$49
Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification.50% (Median)$128,260$61.7
SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases.75% (Senior)$169,850$81.7
Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider.90% (Expert)$175,410$84.3

Detailed Optometrists Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$135,880

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$137,253

Adjusted for COL (99)

An average annual salary of $135,880 in Pennsylvania aligns closely with the state's Cost of Living Index of 99, which is precisely at the national average. This means that the purchasing power of an Optometrist's salary in Pennsylvania is quite comparable to the national standard, offering a stable financial footing without significant gains or losses in real income due to living expenses.

Job Market Context

1,530

Total Jobs

0.254

Per 1K Jobs

0.93

Location Quotient

Below Average

Pennsylvania has 0.93x 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 0.93 for Optometrists in Pennsylvania suggests that the concentration of these professionals is slightly below the national average. This indicates that while the market is not exceptionally saturated, there is a healthy and consistent presence of Optometrists. It implies a competitive yet accessible job market where opportunities likely exist for qualified individuals without being overwhelmingly abundant.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Optometrists

CitySalaryDist.
Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA Optometrists Salary$125,410↓ 8%66 mi

Comparing salaries near Pennsylvania

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Optometrists make in Pennsylvania?

The median annual salary for a Optometrists in Pennsylvania is $135,880. This typically ranges from $79,310 for entry-level positions to $175,410 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Pennsylvania is 4.0% lower than the national median of $141,560.

Is Pennsylvania a lucrative place for Optometrists?

Yes, Pennsylvania offers a competitive salary for Optometrists.With an average salary of $135,880, which is close to the national average, and a cost of living at the national average, the earning potential is strong. The market also shows a stable demand for these professionals.

Is Pennsylvania a good place to live for Optometrists?

With a Cost of Living Index of 99 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

Where are the highest paying cities near Pennsylvania?

Some top paying nearby cities include Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA ($125,410) and others.

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

Optometrists in Pennsylvania earn an average of $135,880 annually, which is slightly lower than the national average of $141,560.

What is the job concentration for Optometrists in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania has a Location Quotient of 0.93 for Optometrists, indicating a job concentration that is nearly in line with the national average.

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

With a Cost of Living Index of 99, the salary of $135,880 in Pennsylvania offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it financially stable.

What is the total number of Optometrists employed in Pennsylvania?

There are approximately 1,530 Optometrists employed within the state of Pennsylvania.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,530 employees in the Pennsylvania area with a job density of 0.254 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 Pennsylvania