verified BLS-Verified Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) May 2025 release

Optometrist Salary in New Jersey

Median Annual in New Jersey
$159,040/yr
Median Hourly Wage
$76.46/hr
▲ 16% above U.S. median

Salary Distribution in New Jersey

groups Employed in NJ
1,380
public U.S. Median
$136,570
savings Real pay (cost-adjusted)
$146,170 #18 of 51

Optometrist pay in New Jersey, explained

Optometrists in New Jersey earn a median of $159,040 per year ($76.46 per hour), which is 16% above the national median of $136,570. Entry-level workers earn around $104,730, while the most experienced optometrists reach about $232,960. Pay varies by employer, setting, and metro area within New Jersey.

Is $159,040 good pay in New Jersey?

Adjusted for New Jersey's cost of living (which runs 109% of the U.S. average), that $159,040 is worth about $146,170 in national buying power — ranking New Jersey #18 for real pay (vs #6 on the sticker number).

See the full Optometrist Real Pay Index arrow_forward

Optometrist pay by experience in New Jersey

Entry level (10th pct)
$104,730
$50.35/hr
Median
Mid-career (50th pct)
$159,040
$76.46/hr
Experienced (90th pct)
$232,960
$112.00/hr

Optometrist pay in neighboring states

StateMedian / yrReal payvs NJ
New Jersey (here) $159,040 $146,170
Delaware $161,270 $161,580 −$2,230
New York $161,140 $149,313 −$2,100
Pennsylvania $135,400 $138,769 +$23,640

Optometrist in New Jersey: FAQ

How much do optometrists make in New Jersey?

Optometrists in New Jersey earn a median of $159,040 per year ($76.46 per hour), compared with $136,570 nationally.

Does New Jersey pay optometrists well?

At $159,040, New Jersey pays 16% above the national median for optometrists. An estimated 1,380 work in the state.

Optometrist salary in other states

All 51 states ranked arrow_forward

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