Optometrist Salary

Moorestown vs Newark: Optometrist Salary (2026)

Compare optometrist salaries between Moorestown, NJ and Newark, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Moorestown, NJ
$155,440
$74.73/hr
Newark, NJ
$166,042
$79.82/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMoorestown, NJNewark, NJ
Median Salary$155,440$166,042
Hourly Rate$74.73$79.82
Entry Level (P10)$90,155$96,304
25th Percentile$126,866$134,182
75th Percentile$183,431$209,492
Top Earner (P90)$211,317$257,364
Total Employed461
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Moorestown ($155,440) and Newark ($166,042) optometrist salaries.MoorestownNewarkMedian Salary$155,440$166,042Entry Level (P10)$90,155$96,304Top Earner (P90)$211,317$257,364US Median $140,612

Verdict

Newark, NJ offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Moorestown.

The salary gap between Moorestown and Newark is $10,602 (6.82%). Newark's median is +18.09% compared to the US national median of $140,612.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Moorestown spans $121,162,Newark spans $161,060. Newark has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced optometrists.

Moorestown
P10 (Entry)$90,155
P25$126,866
Median$155,440
P75$183,431
P90 (Top)$211,317
Newark
P10 (Entry)$96,304
P25$134,182
Median$166,042
P75$209,492
P90 (Top)$257,364

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Newark ($144,134 effective) pays 6.82% more than Moorestown ($134,931 effective).

Moorestown
Nominal: $155,440
CoL Index: 115.2
Adjusted: $134,931
Newark
Nominal: $166,042
CoL Index: 115.2
Adjusted: $144,134

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Moorestown if…

  • You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle

Choose Newark if…

  • Higher median salary ($166,042/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($257,364)
  • Larger job market (61 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $144,134)
  • You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Moorestown grew -9.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -11.2% growth in Newark over the same period.

Moorestown, NJ

+-9.0%

$165,817 (2024) → $150,971 (2025)

Newark, NJ

+-11.2%

$181,709 (2024) → $161,268 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays optometrists more: Moorestown or Newark?

Newark has a higher median optometrist salary at $166,042/year, compared to Moorestown at $155,440/year — a difference of $10,602 (6.82%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Moorestown and Newark?

Moorestown optometrists earn $74.73/hr while Newark hygienists earn $79.82/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Moorestown to Newark as a optometrist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Moorestown and Newark. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Moorestown = $134,931, Newark = $144,134), job availability (4 vs 61 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level optometrists earn in Moorestown vs Newark?

Entry-level (10th percentile) optometrists earn $90,155 in Moorestown and $96,304 in Newark. The Newark 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