Optometrist Salary

Glastonbury vs Hartford: Optometrist Salary (2026)

Compare optometrist salaries between Glastonbury, CT and Hartford, CT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Glastonbury, CT
$146,421
$70.39/hr
Hartford, CT
$154,790
$74.42/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricGlastonbury, CTHartford, CT
Median Salary$146,421$154,790
Hourly Rate$70.39$74.42
Entry Level (P10)$87,496$102,795
25th Percentile$121,939$139,686
75th Percentile$170,929$159,444
Top Earner (P90)$203,592$163,305
Total Employed6190
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Glastonbury ($146,421) and Hartford ($154,790) optometrist salaries.GlastonburyHartfordMedian Salary$146,421$154,790Entry Level (P10)$87,496$102,795Top Earner (P90)$203,592$163,305US Median $140,612

Verdict

Hartford, CT offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Glastonbury.

The salary gap between Glastonbury and Hartford is $8,369 (5.72%). Hartford's median is +10.08% compared to the US national median of $140,612.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Glastonbury spans $116,096,Hartford spans $60,510. Glastonbury has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Glastonbury
P10 (Entry)$87,496
P25$121,939
Median$146,421
P75$170,929
P90 (Top)$203,592
Hartford
P10 (Entry)$102,795
P25$139,686
Median$154,790
P75$159,444
P90 (Top)$163,305

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Hartford ($150,653 effective) pays 11.02% more than Glastonbury ($135,701 effective).

Glastonbury
Nominal: $146,421
CoL Index: 107.9
Adjusted: $135,701
Hartford
Nominal: $154,790
CoL Index: 102.746
Adjusted: $150,653

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Glastonbury if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($203,592)
  • You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle

Choose Hartford if…

  • Higher median salary ($154,790/year)
  • Larger job market (190 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $150,653)
  • You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Glastonbury grew -5.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -25.7% growth in Hartford over the same period.

Glastonbury, CT

+-5.8%

$150,990 (2024) → $142,212 (2025)

Hartford, CT

+-25.7%

$202,280 (2019) → $150,340 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays optometrists more: Glastonbury or Hartford?

Hartford has a higher median optometrist salary at $154,790/year, compared to Glastonbury at $146,421/year — a difference of $8,369 (5.72%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Glastonbury and Hartford?

Glastonbury optometrists earn $70.39/hr while Hartford hygienists earn $74.42/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Glastonbury to Hartford as a optometrist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Glastonbury and Hartford. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Glastonbury = $135,701, Hartford = $150,653), job availability (6 vs 190 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level optometrists earn in Glastonbury vs Hartford?

Entry-level (10th percentile) optometrists earn $87,496 in Glastonbury and $102,795 in Hartford. The Hartford area offers higher starting salaries.
AP

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.

Clinically reviewed by Rajiv Kumar, ODData verified by Sofia Martinez, OD

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.96% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS , released .

Compiled and verified by Aisha Patel, OD, a licensed optometrist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov