Parsippany-Troy Hills vs Trenton: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Parsippany-Troy Hills, NJ and Trenton, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Parsippany-Troy Hills, NJ | Trenton, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $163,939▲ | $160,576 |
| Hourly Rate | $78.82▲ | $77.20 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $95,085▲ | $55,403 |
| 25th Percentile | $126,421 | $127,475▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $196,110 | $319,701▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $237,989 | $319,701▲ |
| Total Employed | 8 | 70▲ |
Verdict
Parsippany-Troy Hills and Trenton are closely matched on overall optometrist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Parsippany-Troy Hills and Trenton is $3,363 (2.09%). Parsippany-Troy Hills's median is +16.59% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Parsippany-Troy Hills spans $142,904,Trenton spans $264,298. Trenton 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, Trenton ($155,627 effective) pays 9.36% more than Parsippany-Troy Hills ($142,308 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Parsippany-Troy Hills if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($163,939/year)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Choose Trenton if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($319,701)
- ✓Larger job market (70 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $155,627)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Parsippany-Troy Hills grew -9.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 34.9% growth in Trenton over the same period.
Parsippany-Troy Hills, NJ
$174,883 (2024) → $159,226 (2025)
Trenton, NJ
$115,630 (2019) → $155,960 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Parsippany-Troy Hills, NJ
Trenton, NJ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Parsippany-Troy Hills or Trenton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Parsippany-Troy Hills and Trenton?
Should I relocate from Parsippany-Troy Hills to Trenton as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Parsippany-Troy Hills vs Trenton?
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