Entry-Level Optometrist Salary in Binghamton, NY: $95,381 (2026)
Quick Answer:New optometrists entering the Binghamton, NY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $95,381 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1041, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Binghamton's local price level (BEA RPP 115.9 — 16% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $82,296 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($164,450) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates pursuing a career as an optometrist in Binghamton, NY, can anticipate a starting salary around $95,381 in 2026. While this figure is substantially lower than the city’s median annual salary of $164,450, it represents a promising entry point into the profession. In the early years, new optometrists can expect their earnings to rise gradually, with realistic salary expectations reaching the 25th percentile at $138,315 as they gain experience and develop their skills. Overall, Binghamton presents a viable market for new graduates, offering opportunities for career growth amid a competitive landscape.
About the Binghamton Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($150,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Binghamton
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Binghamton
Entry-level optometrists in Binghamton, NY typically start between $95,381 and $138,315 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $135,447 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $164,450 — 16.95% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average optometry program cost in New York of $195,000 represents just 204.44% of the starting optometrist pay ($95,381/year) in Binghamton. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on ACOE-accredited Doctor of Optometry programs. Public school OD programs offer lower in-state tuition, while private institutions carry higher out-of-pocket costs. Totals reflect tuition and fees for the 4-year professional program; clinical rotation travel and living costs add to the total cost of attendance.
OD Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Binghamton
- 1Research the Binghamton market: entry-level optometrist pay ranges from $95,381 to $138,315, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the optometry field — employers in NY often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Binghamton, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Binghamton for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Binghamton's above-average cost of living (index: 115.9) when evaluating offers — a slightly lower salary in a nearby affordable area may provide better purchasing power.
Optometrist Compensation Range
The optometrist wage spread in Binghamton is $135,447 ( 142.01%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $95,381, experienced hygienists can earn up to $230,828.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$73,250
2025 BLS Actual
$92,639
2026 Current Est.
$95,381
2019–2027 Growth
+34.1%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Binghamton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $73,250 | Actual |
| 2020 | $75,168 | Actual |
| 2021 | $76,207 | Actual |
| 2022 | $76,900 | Actual |
| 2023 | $80,402 | Actual |
| 2024 | $102,330 | Actual |
| 2025 | $92,639 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $95,381 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $98,204 | Projected |
Entry-level optometrist compensation (10th percentile) in Binghamton, NY grew 26.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $73,250 in 2019 to $92,639 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $98,204. New graduates entering the Binghamton job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Binghamton 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.
Starting Your optometry Career in Binghamton
The hiring landscape in Binghamton includes a variety of employers that typically welcome new graduates. Retail chains such as LensCrafters, Visionworks, and MyEyeDr are known to hire early-career optometrists as they offer structured onboarding programs. However, OD/MD practices often prefer residency-trained candidates, while the VA system pipelines candidates through residency programs as well. To enhance starting pay in New York, candidates should ideally obtain an OD degree from an ACOE-accredited school, complete the NBEO Parts I-III, and secure state licensure. Continuously pursuing specialized training—such as a residency focused on ocular disease or obtaining certifications for glaucoma and oral pharmaceutical agents—can also significantly boost marketability and salary potential. The evolving scope of practice in optometry means that newly licensed optometrists need to stay abreast of industry changes and expanding treatments to maximize their growth opportunities in the first few years after graduation.
More salary data for Binghamton, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for optometrists in Binghamton in 2026?
How fast do optometrist salaries grow in Binghamton?
Is optometry school worth it in Binghamton?
What do new optometrists make right out of school in Binghamton?
How do I become a optometrist in New York?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in New York
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
Entry-level 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 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new optometry graduates. A 2.96% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Binghamton. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Binghamton 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