Optometrist Salary

Glastonbury vs New Haven: Optometrist Salary (2026)

Compare optometrist salaries between Glastonbury, CT and New Haven, CT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Glastonbury, CT
$146,421
$70.39/hr
New Haven, CT
$155,099
$74.56/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricGlastonbury, CTNew Haven, CT
Median Salary$146,421$155,099
Hourly Rate$70.39$74.56
Entry Level (P10)$87,496$99,398
25th Percentile$121,939$139,305
75th Percentile$170,929$162,625
Top Earner (P90)$203,592$226,872
Total Employed690
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Glastonbury ($146,421) and New Haven ($155,099) optometrist salaries.GlastonburyNew HavenMedian Salary$146,421$155,099Entry Level (P10)$87,496$99,398Top Earner (P90)$203,592$226,872US Median $140,612

Verdict

New Haven, CT offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Glastonbury.

The salary gap between Glastonbury and New Haven is $8,678 (5.93%). New Haven's median is +10.30% compared to the US national median of $140,612.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Glastonbury spans $116,096,New Haven spans $127,474. New Haven has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced optometrists.

Glastonbury
P10 (Entry)$87,496
P25$121,939
Median$146,421
P75$170,929
P90 (Top)$203,592
New Haven
P10 (Entry)$99,398
P25$139,305
Median$155,099
P75$162,625
P90 (Top)$226,872

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, New Haven ($148,336 effective) pays 9.31% more than Glastonbury ($135,701 effective).

Glastonbury
Nominal: $146,421
CoL Index: 107.9
Adjusted: $135,701
New Haven
Nominal: $155,099
CoL Index: 104.559
Adjusted: $148,336

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Glastonbury if…

  • You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle

Choose New Haven if…

  • Higher median salary ($155,099/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($226,872)
  • Larger job market (90 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $148,336)
  • You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Glastonbury grew -5.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 11.5% growth in New Haven over the same period.

Glastonbury, CT

+-5.8%

$150,990 (2024) → $142,212 (2025)

New Haven, CT

+11.5%

$135,110 (2019) → $150,640 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays optometrists more: Glastonbury or New Haven?

New Haven has a higher median optometrist salary at $155,099/year, compared to Glastonbury at $146,421/year — a difference of $8,678 (5.93%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Glastonbury and New Haven?

Glastonbury optometrists earn $70.39/hr while New Haven hygienists earn $74.56/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Glastonbury to New Haven as a optometrist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Glastonbury and New Haven. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Glastonbury = $135,701, New Haven = $148,336), job availability (6 vs 90 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level optometrists earn in Glastonbury vs New Haven?

Entry-level (10th percentile) optometrists earn $87,496 in Glastonbury and $99,398 in New Haven. The New Haven area offers higher starting salaries.
AP

Written by Aisha Patel, OD

Career Analyst

Aisha Patel has 10 years of experience in optometry. She specializes in pediatric vision care. Aisha works in a private practice setting.

Clinically reviewed by Rajiv Kumar, ODData verified by Sofia Martinez, OD

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.96% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS , released .

Compiled and verified by Aisha Patel, OD, a licensed optometrist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov