Rochester vs Watertown: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Rochester, NY and Watertown, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Rochester, NY | Watertown, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $164,098 | $164,837▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $78.89 | $79.25▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $101,961▲ | $95,606 |
| 25th Percentile | $130,327▲ | $129,081 |
| 75th Percentile | $172,808 | $194,219▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $193,246 | $232,140▲ |
| Total Employed | 120▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Watertown, NY offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Rochester.
The salary gap between Rochester and Watertown is $739 (0.45%). Watertown's median is +17.23% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Rochester spans $91,285,Watertown spans $136,534. Watertown has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced optometrists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Rochester ($169,112 effective) pays 18.91% more than Watertown ($142,223 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Larger job market (120 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $169,112)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Watertown if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($164,837/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($232,140)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Rochester grew 38.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -7.1% growth in Watertown over the same period.
Rochester, NY
$114,990 (2019) → $159,380 (2025)
Watertown, NY
$172,405 (2024) → $160,098 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rochester, NY
Watertown, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Rochester or Watertown?
What is the hourly rate difference between Rochester and Watertown?
Should I relocate from Rochester to Watertown as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Rochester vs Watertown?
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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.
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