Hartford vs New Haven: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Hartford, CT and New Haven, CT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hartford, CT | New Haven, CT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $154,790 | $155,099▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $74.42 | $74.56▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $102,795▲ | $99,398 |
| 25th Percentile | $139,686▲ | $139,305 |
| 75th Percentile | $159,444 | $162,625▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $163,305 | $226,872▲ |
| Total Employed | 190▲ | 90 |
Verdict
New Haven, CT offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Hartford.
The salary gap between Hartford and New Haven is $309 (0.20%). New Haven's median is +10.30% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hartford spans $60,510,New Haven spans $127,474. New Haven has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced optometrists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Hartford ($150,653 effective) pays 1.56% more than New Haven ($148,336 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hartford if…
- ✓Larger job market (190 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $150,653)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Choose New Haven if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($155,099/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($226,872)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Hartford grew -25.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 11.5% growth in New Haven over the same period.
Hartford, CT
$202,280 (2019) → $150,340 (2025)
New Haven, CT
$135,110 (2019) → $150,640 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hartford, CT
New Haven, CT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Hartford or New Haven?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hartford and New Haven?
Should I relocate from Hartford to New Haven as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Hartford vs New Haven?
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
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