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

Optometrist Salary in New York

Median Annual in New York
$161,140/yr
Median Hourly Wage
$77.47/hr
▲ 18% above U.S. median

Salary Distribution in New York

groups Employed in NY
2,390
public U.S. Median
$136,570
savings Real pay (cost-adjusted)
$149,313 #11 of 51

Optometrist pay in New York, explained

Optometrists in New York earn a median of $161,140 per year ($77.47 per hour), which is 18% above the national median of $136,570. Entry-level workers earn around $95,460, while the most experienced optometrists reach about $203,040. Pay varies by employer, setting, and metro area within New York.

Is $161,140 good pay in New York?

Adjusted for New York's cost of living (which runs 108% of the U.S. average), that $161,140 is worth about $149,313 in national buying power — ranking New York #11 for real pay (vs #5 on the sticker number).

See the full Optometrist Real Pay Index arrow_forward

Optometrist pay by experience in New York

Entry level (10th pct)
$95,460
$45.89/hr
Median
Mid-career (50th pct)
$161,140
$77.47/hr
Experienced (90th pct)
$203,040
$97.62/hr

Optometrist pay in neighboring states

StateMedian / yrReal payvs NY
New York (here) $161,140 $149,313
New Jersey $159,040 $146,170 +$2,100
Massachusetts $151,730 $143,470 +$9,410
Connecticut $150,340 $145,102 +$10,800
Vermont $137,290 $140,152 +$23,850
Pennsylvania $135,400 $138,769 +$25,740

Optometrist in New York: FAQ

How much do optometrists make in New York?

Optometrists in New York earn a median of $161,140 per year ($77.47 per hour), compared with $136,570 nationally.

Does New York pay optometrists well?

At $161,140, New York pays 18% above the national median for optometrists. An estimated 2,390 work in the state.

Optometrist salary in other states

All 51 states ranked arrow_forward

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