Optometrist Salary in Connecticut: $151,240 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Connecticut's 29 metropolitan areas, the average median optometrist pay sits at $151,240/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 29-1041. Because Connecticut sits at BEA RPP 107.9 (8% above the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $140,167 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Bridgeport ($151,232), New Haven ($150,640), Hartford ($150,340).
For those considering a career in optometry in Connecticut, the projected average median salary in 2026 is $151,240, which surpasses the national median of $140,612 by 7.6%. The highest salaries can be found in Bridgeport at $155,708, while Waterbury offers the lowest at $140,633. This $15,075 salary gap between cities is influenced by factors such as cost of living, demand for eye care services, and local economic conditions. Connecticut has specific licensing requirements that must be met, and the comprehensive scope of practice laws allow optometrists to provide a wide range of eye care services. The demand for optometry services in Connecticut is robust, with a projected annual growth rate of 2.96%, indicating a stable job market. In addition to Bridgeport, high-paying cities such as New Haven ($155,099), Hartford ($154,790), Manchester ($153,010), and East Hartford ($152,134) contribute to the state’s overall positive outlook for the profession. Overall, Connecticut presents a favorable environment for optometrists, both in terms of salary potential and job growth.
Connecticut Optometrist Salary Range
Overall salary range in Connecticut: $83,254 (lowest entry-level) to $228,760 (highest top earner)
Connecticut vs National Average
Connecticut optometrists earn 7.56% more than the national median (+$10,628/year difference).
Connecticut Optometrist Salary Distribution (2026)
Optometrist salaries in Connecticut range from $94,386 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $203,924 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $151,240. The Connecticut median is $10,628 above the US national median of $140,612. The average hourly rate is $72.71/hr. Approximately 619 optometrists are employed across 29 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$162,770
2025 BLS Actual
$146,892
2026 Current Est.
$151,240
2019–2027 Growth
+-4.3%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Connecticut (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $162,770 | Actual |
| 2020 | $147,240 | Actual |
| 2021 | $132,259 | Actual |
| 2022 | $149,446 | Actual |
| 2023 | $167,250 | Actual |
| 2024 | $151,892 | Actual |
| 2025 | $146,892 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $151,240 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $155,717 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Connecticut metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew -9.8% from $162,770 (2019) to $146,892 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $155,717 by 2027 — a total increase of $-7,053 (-4.33%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Connecticut 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.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in Connecticut
Lowest Paying Cities in Connecticut
Best Value Cities for Optometrists in Connecticut
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Connecticut cities offer the most purchasing power for optometrists.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hartford | $154,790 | 102.746 | $150,653 |
| New Haven | $155,099 | 104.559 | $148,336 |
| Bridgeport | $155,708 | 107.9 | $144,308 |
| Manchester | $153,010 | 107.9 | $141,807 |
| East Hartford | $152,134 | 107.9 | $140,995 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Connecticut
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $94,386 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $151,240 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $203,924 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Connecticut metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 29 Cities in Connecticut
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bridgeport | $155,708 |
| 2 | New Haven | $155,099 |
| 3 | Hartford | $154,790 |
| 4 | Manchester | $153,010 |
| 5 | East Hartford | $152,134 |
| 6 | Stamford | $151,184 |
| 7 | West Hartford | $151,069 |
| 8 | Norwalk | $150,991 |
| 9 | Bristol | $150,510 |
| 10 | Stratford | $150,294 |
| 11 | Middletown | $150,106 |
| 12 | Meriden | $149,789 |
| 13 | Hamden | $149,296 |
| 14 | Fairfield | $149,188 |
| 15 | New Britain | $149,020 |
| 16 | Milford | $148,347 |
| 17 | West Haven | $148,287 |
| 18 | Torrington | $147,563 |
| 19 | Groton | $147,069 |
| 20 | Danbury | $147,061 |
| 21 | Norwich | $147,045 |
| 22 | Vernon | $146,469 |
| 23 | Glastonbury | $146,421 |
| 24 | New London | $146,127 |
| 25 | Naugatuck | $145,386 |
| 26 | Enfield | $145,180 |
| 27 | Cheshire | $144,855 |
| 28 | Shelton | $143,542 |
| 29 | Waterbury | $140,633 |
More Connecticut Salary Data
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced optometrists.
Explore More Optometrist Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make in Connecticut in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for optometrists in Connecticut?
How does Connecticut optometrist pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level optometrist salary in Connecticut?
How many optometrists are employed in Connecticut?
Which Connecticut city offers the best value for optometrists?
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
Statewide 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. A 2.96% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 optometrist compensation across Connecticut. State averages are employment-weighted across 29 metro areas — larger metro areas with more optometristscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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