Optometrist Salary in Stratford, CT: $150,294 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Stratford, CT earns a median $150,294/year (≈ $72.26/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Stratford's price level (8% above national, BEA RPP 107.9), that paycheck buys what $139,290 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% below the Connecticut state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Stratford, Connecticut, projected salaries for optometrists in 2026 reflect competitive compensation levels, with a median annual pay of $150,294. This figure, while slightly above the national median of $140,612, falls within a broad salary range from $87,170 at the 10th percentile to $217,147 at the 90th percentile. The higher-than-average pay in Stratford can be attributed, in part, to the state's expanding scope of practice that includes glaucoma management, oral medications, and select laser procedures. Such advancements not only elevate the profession's standing but also impact earning potential, resulting in a market that supports a diverse array of practice settings. As a result, the job market for optometrists in Stratford is uniquely robust compared to many regions, making it an appealing location for both new graduates and established professionals.
About the Stratford Market
Salary estimated from Connecticut average ($145,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $87,170 | $41.90 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $124,296 | $59.76 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $150,294 | $72.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $179,166 | $86.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $217,147 | $104.40 |
Median Salary Position
6.89% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Stratford
In Stratford, CT, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $129,977 (2026 est.). At $150,294, the local median is 6.89% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Stratford: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Stratford Optometrist Pay Compares
Stratford median: $150,294/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Stratford Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut Average | $151,659 | -0.90% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | +6.89% more |
Optometrists in Stratford, CT earn a median of $150,294 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.89% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 0.90% below the Connecticut state average of $151,659.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Stratford has a cost of living 7.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Stratford, CT has a cost-of-living index of 107.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $150,294 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $139,290 — a 7.32% reduction.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$123,185
2025 BLS Actual
$145,973
2026 Current Est.
$150,294
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Stratford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $123,185 | Actual |
| 2020 | $126,178 | Actual |
| 2021 | $132,858 | Actual |
| 2022 | $134,237 | Actual |
| 2023 | $140,939 | Actual |
| 2024 | $154,983 | Actual |
| 2025 | $145,973 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $150,294 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $154,742 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Stratford metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $123,185 (2019) to $145,973 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $154,742 by 2027 — a total increase of $31,557 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Stratford 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) | $87,170 – $124,296 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $124,296 – $150,294 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $150,294 – $179,166 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $179,166 – $217,147 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Stratford
For those considering a career in optometry within Stratford, the local job market employs 13 optometrists, which creates a niche yet competitive environment. With a cost-of-living index of 107.9, professionals must consider how local expenses could influence their purchasing power despite higher salaries. Employers vary from private optometry practices to retail optical chains and specialized clinics, each offering different levels of compensation. The disparity in pay often arises from factors such as ownership equity in private practices, innovation-driven collaborative models with ophthalmologists, and the qualifications of candidates, particularly those who have completed residency training. To optimize earnings in this market, prospective optometrists should focus on building a strong patient base, developing specializations in areas like ocular disease management, and exploring opportunities in private practices or multispecialty clinics that provide greater revenue-sharing potential.
More salary data for Stratford, CT:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make in Stratford, CT in 2026?
Is Stratford, CT a good place to work as a optometrist?
Can optometrists make $100K in Stratford?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted optometrist salary in Stratford?
How much does a optometrist make per hour in Stratford?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Connecticut
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 $145,973 for optometristsin the Stratford 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 Stratford 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