Optometrist Salary in Connecticut
Based on 490+ workers in Connecticut
Median Annual Salary (CT)
$150,340
$72.28/hr
vs National Average
$136,108
+10.5% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$99K – $214K
490 employed in Connecticut
Optometrist salary in Connecticut averages $150,340 annually, positioning the state well above the national average at 10% higher. Approximately 490 optometrists currently work in Connecticut, with salaries ranging from $99,200 to $214,040 depending on individual circumstances. This competitive compensation reflects the state's strong healthcare market and cost of living.
Several factors influence optometrist salary in Connecticut, including years of experience, practice setting, and specialization areas. Optometrists working in urban centers like Hartford and New Haven typically earn more than those in rural regions. Additionally, optometrists who own their practices or work in specialized fields such as contact lens fitting or low vision rehabilitation often command higher salaries than those in general practice.
Salary Distribution — Optometrist in Connecticut
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $99,200 |
| 25th percentile | $133,420 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $150,340 |
| 75th percentile | $157,760 |
| 90th percentile | $214,040 |
Top-Paying Industries for Optometrist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Optometrists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Optometrists in Connecticut tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $166,410 | 60 |
| Administrative and Support Services | $160,100 | — |
| Retail Trade | $159,250 | 6K |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $134,370 | 36K |
| Educational Services | $124,280 | 110 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Optometrist in Connecticut vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Connecticut) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $140,000 |
| 2023 | $147,260 |
| 2024 | $143,000 |
| 2025 | $150,340 |
| 2026 (projected) | $158,057 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Connecticut Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $140,000 | $121,162 |
| 2023 | $147,260 | $129,589 |
| 2024 | $143,000 | $131,624 |
| 2025 | $150,340 | $136,108 |
| 2026 (projected) | $158,057 | $143,094 |
Optometrist Salary by Experience Level in Connecticut
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $133,420 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $150,340 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $157,760 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $214,040 |
Optometrist Salary in Other States
Related Optometrist Salaries in Connecticut
How other high-demand occupations in Connecticut compare to Optometrist ($150,340 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Optometrist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiologist in CT | $488,940 | +225.2% | $235.07/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in CT | $481,820 | +220.5% | $231.64/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in CT | $418,940 | +178.7% | $201.41/hr |
| Psychiatrist in CT | $326,670 | +117.3% | $157.05/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in CT | $236,960 | +57.6% | $113.92/hr |
| Pediatrician in CT | $216,830 | +44.2% | $104.25/hr |
| Podiatrist in CT | $212,760 | +41.5% | $102.29/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in CT | $208,000 | +38.4% | $100.00/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in CT | $200,580 | +33.4% | $96.43/hr |
| Radiologist in CT | $191,990 | +27.7% | $92.30/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in CT | $163,930 | +9.0% | $78.81/hr |
| Surgeon in CT | $161,680 | +7.5% | $77.73/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make in Connecticut?
- The median salary for optometrists in Connecticut is $150,340 per year, or $72 per hour. This is 10.5% higher than the national average, making it a competitive market for eye care professionals in the state.
What is the salary range for optometrists in Connecticut?
- Optometrist salaries in Connecticut range from $99,200 at the lower end to $214,040 at the higher end. This wide range reflects differences in experience, location within the state, and practice type.
Is working as an optometrist in Connecticut better paid than the national average?
- Yes, Connecticut optometrists earn 10.5% more than the national average. With a median salary of $150,340 per year compared to the national median, Connecticut offers above-average compensation for this profession.
How many optometrists are employed in Connecticut?
- There are approximately 490 optometrists employed in Connecticut. This represents the current workforce in the state for this profession.