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Average Optometrists Salary in Puerto Rico

Optometrists in Puerto Rico can expect an average annual salary of $97,800. This figure is notably lower than the national average of $141,560, reflecting regional economic factors and the specific demand dynamics within the island's healthcare sector. While the nominal salary is lower, understanding the local economic context is crucial for a complete picture.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $97,800 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 24.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $161,800.
  • Outlook: With a total local workforce of 210 Optometrists, the job market in Puerto Rico presents a moderate employment landscape. The Location Quotient of 0.83 suggests a slightly lower concentration of these professionals compared to the national average, indicating a stable but not exceptionally high demand. The rate of 0.224 jobs per 1,000 workers further supports this balanced outlook.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$97,800

The average Optometrists in Puerto Rico earns-30.9%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$47

Weekly

$1,881

Monthly

$8,150

Optometrists Salary Distribution in Puerto Rico

Career progression for Optometrists in Puerto Rico, as elsewhere, typically involves salary increases tied to experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile of the $97,800 average, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries significantly above this benchmark. The widening gap between entry-level and senior-level salaries signifies clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience.10% (Entry)$41,270$19.8
Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures.25% (Junior)$73,350$35.3
Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification.50% (Median)$109,980$52.9
SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases.75% (Senior)$122,250$58.8
Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider.90% (Expert)$161,800$77.8

Detailed Optometrists Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$97,800

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$102,947

Adjusted for COL (95)

The average annual salary of $97,800 for Optometrists in Puerto Rico is positioned favorably against the local Cost of Living Index of 95. Since the index is below the national average of 100, the purchasing power of an Optometrist's salary in Puerto Rico is likely higher than the nominal figures might initially suggest, offering a potentially comfortable lifestyle.

Job Market Context

210

Total Jobs

0.224

Per 1K Jobs

0.83

Location Quotient

Below Average

Puerto Rico has 0.83x 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.

A Location Quotient of 0.83 indicates that Optometrists are slightly less concentrated in Puerto Rico compared to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is established, the market is not oversaturated, potentially offering a good balance for professionals seeking opportunities without intense competition. The demand appears steady, aligning with the overall workforce size.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Optometrists

CitySalaryDist.
San Juan-Bayamon-Caguas, PR Optometrists Salary$100,730↑ 3%37 mi

Comparing salaries near Puerto Rico

Hiring Optometristss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Optometrists make in Puerto Rico?

The median annual salary for a Optometrists in Puerto Rico is $97,800. This typically ranges from $41,270 for entry-level positions to $161,800 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Puerto Rico is 30.9% lower than the national median of $141,560.

Is Puerto Rico a lucrative place for Optometrists?

Yes, with caveats.While the average salary of $97,800 is below the national average, the lower cost of living (95 index) means your earnings can go further. The stable market concentration also suggests consistent opportunities.

Is Puerto Rico a good place to live for Optometrists?

With a Cost of Living Index of 95 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

Where are the highest paying cities near Puerto Rico?

Some top paying nearby cities include San Juan-Bayamon-Caguas, PR ($100,730) and others.

How does the Puerto Rico Optometrist salary compare to the US national average?

The average annual salary for Optometrists in Puerto Rico is $97,800, which is significantly lower than the national average of $141,560.

What is the cost of living in Puerto Rico compared to the mainland US?

Puerto Rico has a Cost of Living Index of 95, meaning it is 5% cheaper than the national average, which is benchmarked at 100.

Is the job market for Optometrists strong in Puerto Rico?

The market is moderately stable, with a Location Quotient of 0.83 indicating a slightly lower concentration of Optometrists than the national average, suggesting steady demand.

How many Optometrists are there in Puerto Rico?

The total local workforce for Optometrists in Puerto Rico consists of approximately 210 professionals.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 210 employees in the Puerto Rico area with a job density of 0.224 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 Puerto Rico