Optometrist Salary in New York
Based on 2K+ workers in New York
Median Annual Salary (NY)
$161,140
$77.47/hr
vs National Average
$136,108
+18.4% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$95K – $203K
2K employed in New York
The Optometrist salary in New York presents a compelling financial outlook for professionals in this field. With a median annual income of $161,140, New York optometrists earn approximately 18% more than the national average. This vibrant market currently employs 2,390 individuals, indicating a strong demand for their specialized services.
Several factors influence the Optometrist salary in New York, including years of experience, specific practice setting such as private practice or a large healthcare system, and geographic location within the state. Advanced certifications, specialization in areas like pediatric optometry or vision therapy, and the volume of patients seen can also contribute to earning potential within this lucrative profession.
Salary Distribution — Optometrist in New York
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $95,460 |
| 25th percentile | $127,900 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $161,140 |
| 75th percentile | $175,740 |
| 90th percentile | $203,040 |
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 New York 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 York vs National
| Year | Median Salary (New York) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $142,400 |
| 2023 | $157,480 |
| 2024 | $163,040 |
| 2025 | $161,140 |
| 2026 (projected) | $161,140 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | New York Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $142,400 | $121,162 |
| 2023 | $157,480 | $129,589 |
| 2024 | $163,040 | $131,624 |
| 2025 | $161,140 | $136,108 |
| 2026 (projected) | $161,140 | $136,108 |
Optometrist Salary by Experience Level in New York
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $127,900 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $161,140 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $175,740 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $203,040 |
Optometrist Salary in Other States
Related Optometrist Salaries in New York
How other high-demand occupations in New York compare to Optometrist ($161,140 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Optometrist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiologist in NY | $492,040 | +205.3% | $236.56/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in NY | $445,660 | +176.6% | $214.26/hr |
| Radiologist in NY | $441,580 | +174.0% | $212.30/hr |
| Surgeon in NY | $410,410 | +154.7% | $197.31/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in NY | $348,800 | +116.5% | $167.69/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in NY | $321,030 | +99.2% | $154.34/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in NY | $301,690 | +87.2% | $145.04/hr |
| Psychiatrist in NY | $265,890 | +65.0% | $127.83/hr |
| Pediatrician in NY | $212,150 | +31.7% | $102.00/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in NY | $210,920 | +30.9% | $101.40/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in NY | $183,460 | +13.9% | $88.20/hr |
| Dentist in NY | $183,060 | +13.6% | $88.01/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for an optometrist in New York?
- The median salary for an optometrist in New York is $161,140 per year, which equates to approximately $77 per hour. This median figure indicates that half of optometrists earn more than this amount, and half earn less.
How much can optometrists in New York expect to make?
- Optometrists in New York typically earn between $95,460 and $203,040 annually. This wide salary range reflects variations in experience, location within New York, and practice setting.
Is the salary for optometrists in New York higher than the national average?
- Yes, optometrists in New York earn significantly more than the national average, with salaries being 18.4% higher. This suggests strong demand and compensation for optometrists practicing in the state.
How many optometrists are employed in New York?
- There are approximately 2,390 optometrists employed in New York. This number represents the total workforce in the state for this profession.