Optometrist Salary in Westfield, NJ: $157,610 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Westfield, NJ earns a median $157,610/year (≈ $75.78/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Westfield's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $136,814 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.7% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Westfield, NJ, the projected median annual optometrist salary for 2026 is $157,610, illustrating the local market's competitive edge over the national median of $140,612. The salary range for optometrists in Westfield stretches from $91,414 at the 10th percentile to $221,644 at the 90th percentile. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost nuances, reflect both the high demand for optometric services and the state's expanded scope of practice, which now includes glaucoma management, oral medications, and select laser procedures. As Westfield continues to grow, the role of optometrists in providing these essential services is likely to remain a significant factor influencing compensation levels in the area.
About the Westfield Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($150,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $91,414 | $43.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $132,824 | $63.86 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $157,610 | $75.78 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $185,510 | $89.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $221,644 | $106.56 |
Median Salary Position
12.09% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Westfield
In Westfield, NJ, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $130,230 (2026 est.). At $157,610, the local median is 12.09% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Westfield: You'd be above the median
How Westfield Optometrist Pay Compares
Westfield median: $157,610/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Westfield Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $161,984 | -2.70% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | +12.09% more |
Optometrists in Westfield, NJ earn a median of $157,610 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.09% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 2.70% below the New Jersey state average of $161,984.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Westfield has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Westfield, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $157,610 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $136,814 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$129,182
2025 BLS Actual
$153,079
2026 Current Est.
$157,610
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Westfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $129,182 | Actual |
| 2020 | $132,320 | Actual |
| 2021 | $139,326 | Actual |
| 2022 | $140,772 | Actual |
| 2023 | $147,800 | Actual |
| 2024 | $168,132 | Actual |
| 2025 | $153,079 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $157,610 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $162,275 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Westfield metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $129,182 (2019) to $153,079 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $162,275 by 2027 — a total increase of $33,093 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Westfield 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) | $91,414 – $132,824 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $132,824 – $157,610 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $157,610 – $185,510 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $185,510 – $221,644 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Westfield
While just seven optometrists are currently employed in Westfield, the dynamics of the local job market can be influenced by factors such as the cost-of-living index of 115.2. This elevated index suggests that despite a strong salary, take-home purchasing power may be impacted. Employers within the area, including private optometry practices and specialized ophthalmology groups, often provide the highest compensation. The variation in pay can stem from several determinants, including practice ownership, partnerships within OD/MD models, and the possibility of profit sharing from surgical referrals. Optometrists can maximize their earnings by seeking residencies focused on ocular disease, positioning themselves in more lucrative employment models, or negotiating competitive post-acquisition terms in previously privately-owned practices that have transitioned to private equity control. Understanding these aspects can better equip optometrists to navigate their career decisions, enhancing their overall pay in Westfield, NJ.
More salary data for Westfield, 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 $153,079 for optometristsin the Westfield 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 Westfield 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