Optometrist Salary in Jersey City, NJ: $168,641 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Jersey City, NJ earns a median $168,641/year (≈ $81.08/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Jersey City's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $146,390 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.1% above the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Jersey City, New Jersey, the practice environment for optometrists significantly influences their earning potential, with the projected median annual salary for 2026 at $168,641. This figure showcases a competitive advantage compared to the national median of $140,612, illustrating a local premium of approximately 19.93%. Salaries for optometrists in this area can range dramatically from $97,812 at the 10th percentile to $255,243 at the 90th percentile, highlighting the diverse opportunities available based on factors like practice ownership, retail chain employment, or collaboration in ophthalmology practices. These salary estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, reflect the adjustments made for Jersey City’s higher cost of living and market demand, suggesting robust employment conditions for the 42 optometrists currently working in the region.
About the Jersey City Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($150,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $97,812 | $47.02 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $129,505 | $62.26 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $168,641 | $81.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $205,654 | $98.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $255,243 | $122.72 |
Median Salary Position
19.93% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Jersey City
In Jersey City, NJ, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $157,431 (2026 est.). At $168,641, the local median is 19.93% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Jersey City: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Jersey City Optometrist Pay Compares
Jersey City median: $168,641/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Jersey City Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $161,999 | +4.10% more |
| National Average | $140,612 | +19.93% more |
Optometrists in Jersey City, NJ earn a median of $168,641 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.93% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 4.10% above the New Jersey state average of $161,999.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Jersey City has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Jersey City, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $168,641 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $146,390 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$138,223
2025 BLS Actual
$163,793
2026 Current Est.
$168,641
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Jersey City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $138,223 | Actual |
| 2020 | $141,581 | Actual |
| 2021 | $149,077 | Actual |
| 2022 | $150,624 | Actual |
| 2023 | $158,144 | Actual |
| 2024 | $181,038 | Actual |
| 2025 | $163,793 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $168,641 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $173,633 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Jersey City metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $138,223 (2019) to $163,793 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $173,633 by 2027 — a total increase of $35,410 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Jersey City 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) | $97,812 – $129,505 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $129,505 – $168,641 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $168,641 – $205,654 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $205,654 – $255,243 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Jersey City
As with many urban settings, the cost of living index in Jersey City stands at 115.2, which impacts the take-home purchasing power for optometrists. This elevated cost can affect salary negotiations, particularly for those with advanced training or experience, such as those completing residencies in ocular disease or working alongside ophthalmologists in an OD/MD model. Employers that typically offer higher salaries include private optometry practices and specialized ophthalmology clinics, while retail optical chains often feature lower wage scales. The disparity between the lower and upper salary limits can be attributed to various factors, including practice ownership equity, the type of practice setting, and whether the optometrist has pursued additional training. For those looking to maximize their optometrist pay in Jersey City, focusing on developing a niche, seeking roles in high-paying specialties, and considering partnerships or equity within private practices can prove beneficial in navigating this competitive market.
More salary data for Jersey City, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $163,793 for optometristsin the Jersey City 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 Jersey City 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