Entry-Level Optometrist Salary in Freeport, NY: $91,364 (2026)
Quick Answer:New optometrists entering the Freeport, NY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $91,364 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1041, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Freeport's local price level (BEA RPP 115.9 — 16% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $78,830 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($157,524) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For newly graduated optometrists entering the workforce in Freeport, NY, the starting pay, or the 10th percentile, stands at $91,364 in 2026. This is a significant gap compared to the city's median annual salary of $157,524. Entry-level salaries can quickly increase as one gains experience, with potential earnings rising to $127,746 at the 25th percentile and potentially reaching the overall median within a few years. Given the projected annual growth rate of 2.96%, Freeport presents a favorable environment for new optometrists, offering the opportunity to build a stable career while enjoying competitive salaries compared to the national median of $140,612.
About the Freeport Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($150,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Freeport
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 Freeport
Entry-level optometrists in Freeport, NY typically start between $91,364 and $127,746 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $131,894 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $157,524 — 12.03% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average optometry program cost in New York of $195,000 represents just 213.43% of the starting optometrist pay ($91,364/year) in Freeport. 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 Freeport
- 1Research the Freeport market: entry-level optometrist pay ranges from $91,364 to $127,746, 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 Freeport, 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 Freeport for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Freeport'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 Freeport is $131,894 ( 144.36%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $91,364, experienced hygienists can earn up to $223,258.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$70,165
2025 BLS Actual
$88,737
2026 Current Est.
$91,364
2019–2027 Growth
+34.1%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Freeport (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $70,165 | Actual |
| 2020 | $72,002 | Actual |
| 2021 | $72,997 | Actual |
| 2022 | $73,661 | Actual |
| 2023 | $77,015 | Actual |
| 2024 | $95,558 | Actual |
| 2025 | $88,737 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $91,364 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $94,068 | Projected |
Entry-level optometrist compensation (10th percentile) in Freeport, NY grew 26.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $70,165 in 2019 to $88,737 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $94,068. New graduates entering the Freeport job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Freeport 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 Freeport
Those looking to jumpstart their optometry careers in Freeport should explore opportunities with key employers like LensCrafters and Visionworks, which actively hire new graduates and provide structured onboarding. Additionally, residency-trained optometrists may find rewarding roles in specialized practices and the VA system, while private practices are increasingly seeking associates willing to invest in the business. Gaining credentials such as a Glaucoma certification and staying abreast of advances in optometry can also enhance starting pay in New York. With entry-level salaries anticipated to progress favorably over the first few years, new optometrists entering this market should have realistic expectations that reflect the evolving demands and competitive landscape of the profession.
More salary data for Freeport, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Freeport. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Freeport 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