Optometrist Salary in Fairfield, CT: $149,188 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Fairfield, CT earns a median $149,188/year (≈ $71.72/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Fairfield's price level (8% above national, BEA RPP 107.9), that paycheck buys what $138,265 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.7% below the Connecticut state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the median annual salary for optometrists in Fairfield, Connecticut, is projected to be $149,188, slightly surpassing the national median of $140,612. This figure reflects the city's strong healthcare market dynamics and the growing trend of the OD/MD surgical co-management model, where optometrists collaborate with ophthalmologists, contributing additional revenue streams that enhance overall compensation. The salary range for optometrists in the region varies significantly, with entry-level salaries starting at $86,533 and seasoned professionals earning up to $227,890. These estimates are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, and account for the regional cost of living adjustments, making Fairfield an attractive, albeit competitive, market for optometrists.
About the Fairfield Market
Salary estimated from Connecticut average ($145,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $86,533 | $41.61 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $122,064 | $58.69 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $149,188 | $71.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $176,645 | $84.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $227,890 | $109.56 |
Median Salary Position
6.10% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fairfield
In Fairfield, CT, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $141,357 (2026 est.). At $149,188, the local median is 6.1% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Fairfield: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Fairfield Optometrist Pay Compares
Fairfield median: $149,188/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fairfield Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut Average | $151,768 | -1.70% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | +6.10% more |
Optometrists in Fairfield, CT earn a median of $149,188 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.10% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 1.70% below the Connecticut state average of $151,768.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fairfield has a cost of living 7.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Fairfield, CT has a cost-of-living index of 107.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $149,188 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $138,265 — a 7.32% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$122,279
2025 BLS Actual
$144,899
2026 Current Est.
$149,188
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Fairfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $122,279 | Actual |
| 2020 | $125,250 | Actual |
| 2021 | $131,881 | Actual |
| 2022 | $133,249 | Actual |
| 2023 | $139,902 | Actual |
| 2024 | $153,843 | Actual |
| 2025 | $144,899 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $149,188 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $153,604 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fairfield metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $122,279 (2019) to $144,899 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $153,604 by 2027 — a total increase of $31,325 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fairfield 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) | $86,533 – $122,064 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $122,064 – $149,188 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $149,188 – $176,645 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $176,645 – $227,890 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Fairfield
In analyzing the job market for optometrists in Fairfield, it's evident that only nine practitioners are currently employed in the area, highlighting both the limited workforce and potential for growth. The cost of living index stands at 107.9, indicating that while salaries are competitive, the take-home purchasing power can be impacted by local expenses. Private optometry practices, particularly those using the OD/MD model, tend to offer the highest compensation, in contrast to retail chains. The disparity in pay can result from factors such as practice ownership, residency training in ocular disease, and the employment terms of practices that have transitioned to private equity ownership. To maximize earnings in this environment, optometrists should consider residency training, seek opportunities in ophthalmology settings, and stay informed on the evolving scope of practice in Connecticut — including advancements in glaucoma management and expanding treatment options.
More salary data for Fairfield, 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 $144,899 for optometristsin the Fairfield 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 Fairfield 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