Optometrist Salary in New Jersey
Based on 1K+ workers in New Jersey
Median Annual Salary (NJ)
$159,040
$76.46/hr
vs National Average
$136,108
+16.8% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$105K – $233K
1K employed in New Jersey
Understanding the Optometrist salary in New Jersey reveals a robust earning potential for eye care professionals in the Garden State. The median annual salary for optometrists in New Jersey stands at $159,040, significantly exceeding the national average by 17%. This positions New Jersey as a financially attractive location for those in this specialized medical field, with 1,380 optometrists currently employed.
Several factors contribute to the Optometrist salary in New Jersey, influencing where an individual falls within the broad range of $104,730 to $232,960. Experience level is paramount, with seasoned optometrists commanding higher salaries than those just starting their careers. Additionally, the specific practice setting—whether a private practice, a large healthcare system, or a retail clinic—and the geographic location within New Jersey can also play a significant role in determining compensation.
Salary Distribution — Optometrist in New Jersey
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $104,730 |
| 25th percentile | $134,560 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $159,040 |
| 75th percentile | $165,960 |
| 90th percentile | $232,960 |
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 New Jersey 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 New Jersey vs National
| Year | Median Salary (New Jersey) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $141,370 |
| 2023 | $146,700 |
| 2024 | $156,000 |
| 2025 | $159,040 |
| 2026 (projected) | $162,139 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | New Jersey Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $141,370 | $121,162 |
| 2023 | $146,700 | $129,589 |
| 2024 | $156,000 | $131,624 |
| 2025 | $159,040 | $136,108 |
| 2026 (projected) | $162,139 | $138,760 |
Optometrist Salary by Experience Level in New Jersey
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $134,560 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $159,040 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $165,960 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $232,960 |
Optometrist Salary in Other States
Related Optometrist Salaries in New Jersey
How other high-demand occupations in New Jersey compare to Optometrist ($159,040 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Optometrist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radiologist in NJ | $482,700 | +203.5% | $232.07/hr |
| Surgeon in NJ | $437,890 | +175.3% | $210.52/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in NJ | $315,340 | +98.3% | $151.61/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in NJ | $292,170 | +83.7% | $140.47/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in NJ | $291,350 | +83.2% | $140.07/hr |
| Cardiologist in NJ | $286,540 | +80.2% | $137.76/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in NJ | $228,870 | +43.9% | $110.03/hr |
| Pediatrician in NJ | $201,560 | +26.7% | $96.90/hr |
| Psychiatrist in NJ | $194,070 | +22.0% | $93.30/hr |
| Dentist in NJ | $171,330 | +7.7% | $82.37/hr |
| Physician Assistant in NJ | $165,690 | +4.2% | $79.66/hr |
| Podiatrist in NJ | $160,300 | +0.8% | $77.07/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make in New Jersey?
- The median salary for an optometrist in New Jersey is $159,040 per year, which translates to an hourly rate of $76. This is significantly higher than the national average, with New Jersey optometrists earning 16.8% more.
What is the typical salary range for an optometrist in New Jersey?
- In New Jersey, the salary range for optometrists generally falls between $104,730 and $232,960 annually. This wide range reflects differences in experience, location within the state, and practice setting.
Is the average optometrist salary in New Jersey higher than the national average?
- Yes, optometrists in New Jersey earn considerably more than the national average. Their median salary is 16.8% higher than the national figure, with a median of $159,040 compared to the national median.
How many optometrists are employed in New Jersey?
- There are approximately 1,380 optometrists employed in New Jersey. This indicates a strong demand for eye care professionals within the state.