Optometrist Salary in Bristol, CT: $150,510 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Bristol, CT earns a median $150,510/year (≈ $72.36/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Bristol's price level (8% above national, BEA RPP 107.9), that paycheck buys what $139,490 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% below the Connecticut state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bristol, Connecticut, the projected median annual salary for optometrists stands at $150,510 for 2026, representing a notable 7.04% increase compared to the national median of $140,612. With a salary range spanning from $87,296 at the 10th percentile to $227,067 at the 90th percentile, the compensation reflects both the local market's dynamics and the broader economic context. Factors such as the growing scope of practice in optometry, including the management of glaucoma and the provision of oral medications, are influencing compensation levels. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and are adjusted for regional price parities, indicating the competitive nature of optometrist salaries in Bristol as the demand for advanced eye care services continues to grow.
About the Bristol Market
Salary estimated from Connecticut average ($145,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $87,296 | $41.97 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $124,735 | $59.96 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $150,510 | $72.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $185,651 | $89.26 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $227,067 | $109.17 |
Median Salary Position
7.04% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bristol
In Bristol, CT, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $139,771 (2026 est.). At $150,510, the local median is 7.04% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Bristol: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Bristol Optometrist Pay Compares
Bristol median: $150,510/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bristol Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut Average | $151,724 | -0.80% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | +7.04% more |
Optometrists in Bristol, CT earn a median of $150,510 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.04% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 0.80% below the Connecticut state average of $151,724.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bristol has a cost of living 7.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bristol, CT has a cost-of-living index of 107.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $150,510 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $139,490 — a 7.32% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$123,362
2025 BLS Actual
$146,183
2026 Current Est.
$150,510
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Bristol (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $123,362 | Actual |
| 2020 | $126,359 | Actual |
| 2021 | $133,049 | Actual |
| 2022 | $134,430 | Actual |
| 2023 | $141,141 | Actual |
| 2024 | $155,206 | Actual |
| 2025 | $146,183 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $150,510 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $154,965 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bristol metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $123,362 (2019) to $146,183 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $154,965 by 2027 — a total increase of $31,603 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bristol 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $87,296 – $124,735 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $124,735 – $150,510 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $150,510 – $185,651 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $185,651 – $227,067 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Bristol
The local job market for optometrists in Bristol currently employs 13 practitioners, presenting a concentrated yet stable environment for eye care professionals. The cost of living index in Bristol is slightly higher than the national average at 107.9, which affects the purchasing power of optometrists in the area. Among local employers, private optometry practices and ophthalmology groups often provide competitive salaries, particularly for those with residency training in ocular disease, while retail optical chains may offer lower compensation but more predictable hours. The disparities in pay can be attributed to factors such as ownership stakes in private practices, the integration of ophthalmologists into care models, and varying employment agreements following acquisitions by private equity firms. Those looking to maximize their optometrist pay in Bristol CT should consider pursuing residency opportunities, negotiating roles that leverage collaborative practice models, and exploring positions that align with high-demand specialties.
More salary data for Bristol, CT:
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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $146,183 for optometristsin the Bristol metropolitan area. A 2.96% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Bristol 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