Optometrist Salary in Naugatuck, CT: $145,386 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Naugatuck, CT earns a median $145,386/year (≈ $69.90/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Naugatuck's price level (8% above national, BEA RPP 107.9), that paycheck buys what $134,741 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.2% below the Connecticut state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, optometrists in Naugatuck, CT, can expect a median annual salary of $145,386, reflecting a competitive position compared to the national average. Professionals in this area report earnings ranging from $85,804 at the lower end to $209,124 at the upper extreme, indicating significant potential for growth in compensation. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional price variations, reveal the strength of the market in Naugatuck. Moreover, the city's optometrists have the opportunity to boost their income through OD/MD model surgical co-management, allowing them to collaborate with ophthalmologists and share in surgical referral revenue. Overall, these factors contribute to a favorable environment for optometrists seeking to establish or advance their careers in the region.
About the Naugatuck Market
Salary estimated from Connecticut average ($145,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $85,804 | $41.26 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $116,598 | $56.06 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $145,386 | $69.90 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $173,967 | $83.63 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $209,124 | $100.54 |
Median Salary Position
3.40% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Naugatuck
In Naugatuck, CT, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $123,320 (2026 est.). At $145,386, the local median is 3.4% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Naugatuck: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Naugatuck Optometrist Pay Compares
Naugatuck median: $145,386/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Naugatuck Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut Average | $151,760 | -4.20% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | +3.40% more |
Optometrists in Naugatuck, CT earn a median of $145,386 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.40% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 4.20% below the Connecticut state average of $151,760.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Naugatuck has a cost of living 7.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Naugatuck, CT has a cost-of-living index of 107.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $145,386 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $134,741 — a 7.32% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$119,162
2025 BLS Actual
$141,206
2026 Current Est.
$145,386
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Naugatuck (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $119,162 | Actual |
| 2020 | $122,057 | Actual |
| 2021 | $128,519 | Actual |
| 2022 | $129,853 | Actual |
| 2023 | $136,336 | Actual |
| 2024 | $149,922 | Actual |
| 2025 | $141,206 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $145,386 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $149,689 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Naugatuck metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $119,162 (2019) to $141,206 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $149,689 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,527 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Naugatuck metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.96% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $85,804 – $116,598 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $116,598 – $145,386 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $145,386 – $173,967 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $173,967 – $209,124 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Naugatuck
With only eight optometrists currently employed in Naugatuck, the local job market shows both tight competition and opportunity for those entering the field. The cost of living index stands at 107.9, slightly above the national average, which can impact overall purchasing power and salary satisfaction. Among local employers, private optometry practices that embrace the OD/MD model typically provide the highest compensation, as these settings leverage surgical co-management revenue. However, the disparity in salaries can also arise from factors such as practice ownership, the choice between retail chains and private practices, and additional training or residency in areas like ocular disease, which tends to attract a premium. To maximize pay in this market, optometrists should consider acquiring specialty skills and seeking employment in collaborative settings, both of which can enhance earning potential.
More salary data for Naugatuck, CT:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make in Naugatuck, CT in 2026?
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Can optometrists make $100K in Naugatuck?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted optometrist salary in Naugatuck?
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $141,206 for optometristsin the Naugatuck metropolitan area. A 2.96% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Naugatuck is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.96%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for optometrists (SOC 29-1041).
Compiled and verified by Aisha Patel, OD, a licensed optometrist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov