Optometrist Salary in Rhode Island
Based on 250+ workers in Rhode Island
Data year: 2025 · Last updated: October 2026
Median Annual Salary (RI)
$134,520
$64.67/hr
vs National Average
$136,108
-1.2% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$72K – $216K
250 employed in Rhode Island
Salary Distribution — Optometrist in Rhode Island
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $71,670 |
| 25th percentile | $114,090 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $134,520 |
| 75th percentile | $167,930 |
| 90th percentile | $215,640 |
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 Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Rhode Island) |
|---|---|
| 2023 | $135,160 |
| 2024 | $144,360 |
| 2025 | $134,520 |
| 2026 (projected) | $134,520 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Rhode Island Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $135,160 | $129,589 |
| 2024 | $144,360 | $131,624 |
| 2025 | $134,520 | $136,108 |
| 2026 (projected) | $134,520 | $136,108 |
Optometrist Salary by Experience Level in Rhode Island
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $114,090 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $134,520 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $167,930 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $215,640 |
Optometrist Salary in Other States
Related Optometrist Salaries in Rhode Island
How other high-demand occupations in Rhode Island compare to Optometrist ($134,520 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Optometrist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency Medicine Physician in RI | $512,730 | +281.2% | $246.50/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in RI | $467,160 | +247.3% | $224.60/hr |
| Cardiologist in RI | $395,610 | +194.1% | $190.20/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in RI | $379,490 | +182.1% | $182.45/hr |
| Psychiatrist in RI | $287,610 | +113.8% | $138.27/hr |
| Pediatrician in RI | $218,080 | +62.1% | $104.85/hr |
| Surgeon in RI | $199,990 | +48.7% | $96.15/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in RI | $166,390 | +23.7% | $80.00/hr |
| Dentist in RI | $161,560 | +20.1% | $77.67/hr |
| Podiatrist in RI | $159,760 | +18.8% | $76.81/hr |
| Physician Assistant in RI | $139,930 | +4.0% | $67.27/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in RI | $135,970 | +1.1% | $65.37/hr |