Optometrist Salary in West Warwick, RI: $139,702 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in West Warwick, RI earns a median $139,702/year (≈ $67.16/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in West Warwick's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.5), that paycheck buys what $139,007 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.1% below the Rhode Island state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, optometrists in West Warwick, Rhode Island, can expect a median annual salary of $139,702, reflecting the local dynamics of the profession, which includes an expanded scope of practice that allows for the management of glaucoma, prescription of oral medications, and certain laser procedures. This role not only benefits from these advancements in practice but also commands a significant salary range, from $81,027 at the 10th percentile to $195,442 at the 90th percentile. These figures are locally estimated based on BLS state-level data and adjustments for regional price parities, which take into account the specific cost of living in the West Warwick area, making it a competitive market for eye care professionals.
About the West Warwick Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,027 | $38.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $111,959 | $53.83 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $139,702 | $67.16 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $164,129 | $78.91 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $195,442 | $93.96 |
Median Salary Position
0.65% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in West Warwick
In West Warwick, RI, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $114,415 (2026 est.). At $139,702, the local median is 0.65% below the national median of $140,612.
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How West Warwick Optometrist Pay Compares
West Warwick median: $139,702/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | West Warwick Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island Average | $141,256 | -1.10% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -0.65% less |
Optometrists in West Warwick, RI earn a median of $139,702 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.65% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 1.10% below the Rhode Island state average of $141,256.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
West Warwick has a cost of living 0.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
West Warwick, RI has a cost-of-living index of 100.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $139,702 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $139,007 — a 0.5% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$114,504
2025 BLS Actual
$135,686
2026 Current Est.
$139,702
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in West Warwick (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $114,504 | Actual |
| 2020 | $117,286 | Actual |
| 2021 | $123,495 | Actual |
| 2022 | $124,777 | Actual |
| 2023 | $131,006 | Actual |
| 2024 | $137,107 | Actual |
| 2025 | $135,686 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $139,702 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $143,837 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the West Warwick metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $114,504 (2019) to $135,686 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $143,837 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,333 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the West Warwick 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) | $81,027 – $111,959 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $111,959 – $139,702 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $139,702 – $164,129 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $164,129 – $195,442 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in West Warwick
Employment opportunities for optometrists in West Warwick are represented by a small yet significant group of approximately seven practitioners, creating a concentrated job market. The cost of living index for the area is slightly above average at 100.5, which plays an essential role in determining take-home pay and can influence salary negotiations. Potential employers vary from private optometry practices to retail optical chains and ophthalmology partnerships, each with distinct pay scales. The salary spread is influenced by multiple factors, including whether practitioners are affiliated with larger corporate entities or manage their own practices. To maximize pay in this local market, it is advisable for optometrists to consider additional qualifications, such as completing a residency or developing a stake in an OD/MD practice, enhancing their job security and earning potential as the profession continues to evolve.
More salary data for West Warwick, RI:
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 $135,686 for optometristsin the West Warwick 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 West Warwick 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