Optometrist Salary in Pennsylvania
Based on 2K+ workers in Pennsylvania
Median Annual Salary (PA)
$135,400
$65.10/hr
vs National Average
$136,108
-0.5% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$93K – $173K
2K employed in Pennsylvania
Understanding the Optometrist salary in Pennsylvania reveals a median annual income of $135,400. This figure falls just 1% below the national average, with reported earnings generally ranging from $92,970 to $173,380. Currently, approximately 1,720 optometrists are employed within the state.
Several factors influence Optometrist salary in Pennsylvania. Experience levels, years in practice, and the specific type of practice—whether private, corporate, or hospital-based—can significantly impact earning potential. Furthermore, the cost of living in different regions of Pennsylvania and the demand for optometric services in those areas will also play a role.
Salary Distribution — Optometrist in Pennsylvania
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $92,970 |
| 25th percentile | $110,990 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $135,400 |
| 75th percentile | $163,890 |
| 90th percentile | $173,380 |
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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Pennsylvania) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $130,000 |
| 2023 | $137,560 |
| 2024 | $128,260 |
| 2025 | $135,400 |
| 2026 (projected) | $142,937 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Pennsylvania Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $130,000 | $121,162 |
| 2023 | $137,560 | $129,589 |
| 2024 | $128,260 | $131,624 |
| 2025 | $135,400 | $136,108 |
| 2026 (projected) | $142,937 | $143,685 |
Optometrist Salary by Experience Level in Pennsylvania
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $110,990 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $135,400 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $163,890 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $173,380 |
Optometrist Salary in Other States
Related Optometrist Salaries in Pennsylvania
How other high-demand occupations in Pennsylvania compare to Optometrist ($135,400 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Optometrist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiologist in PA | $579,120 | +327.7% | $278.42/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in PA | $461,390 | +240.8% | $221.82/hr |
| Radiologist in PA | $455,380 | +236.3% | $218.93/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in PA | $306,030 | +126.0% | $147.13/hr |
| Psychiatrist in PA | $278,970 | +106.0% | $134.12/hr |
| Pediatrician in PA | $226,440 | +67.2% | $108.87/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in PA | $221,530 | +63.6% | $106.50/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in PA | $213,310 | +57.5% | $102.55/hr |
| Dentist in PA | $163,390 | +20.7% | $78.55/hr |
| Podiatrist in PA | $155,050 | +14.5% | $74.54/hr |
| Pharmacist in PA | $138,160 | +2.0% | $66.42/hr |
| Veterinarian in PA | $133,520 | -1.4% | $64.19/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for an optometrist in Pennsylvania?
- The median salary for an optometrist in Pennsylvania is $135,400 per year, which breaks down to about $65 per hour. This figure is slightly lower than the national average, by about 0.5%.
What is the salary range for optometrists in Pennsylvania?
- Most optometrists in Pennsylvania can expect to earn between $92,970 and $173,380 annually. The median salary falls in the middle of this range at $135,400 per year.
How many optometrists are employed in Pennsylvania?
- There are approximately 1,720 optometrists currently employed in Pennsylvania. The median annual salary for these professionals is $135,400.
How does the optometrist salary in Pennsylvania compare to the national average?
- Optometrists in Pennsylvania earn a median salary of $135,400 per year, which is 0.5% less than the national average. The typical salary range in Pennsylvania is $92,970 to $173,380.