Optometrist Salary in Hartford, CT: $154,790 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Hartford, CT earns a median $154,790/year (≈ $74.42/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Hartford's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 102.7), that paycheck buys what $150,653 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.0% above the Connecticut state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, optometrists in Hartford, Connecticut, can expect a median annual salary of $154,790, placing the region ahead of the national median of $140,612 by approximately 10.08%. The salary range for this profession in Hartford is quite broad, spanning from $102,795 at the lower end (P10) to $163,305 for the highest earners (P90). This data, derived from the BLS OEWS surveys, reflects the diverse employment structures available to optometrists in the area, including practice ownership, employed associates, and retail chain positions. Each structural choice influences compensation, with independent practice owners often realizing higher earnings due to equity stakes in their businesses, while those working in retail settings may see relatively lower pay but potentially more stable work environments.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $102,795 | $49.42 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $139,686 | $67.15 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $154,790 | $74.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $159,444 | $76.65 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $163,305 | $78.51 |
Median Salary Position
10.08% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hartford
In Hartford, CT, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $60,510 (2026 est.). At $154,790, the local median is 10.08% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Hartford: You'd be in the upper quartile
How Hartford Optometrist Pay Compares
Hartford median: $154,790/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Hartford Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut Average | $151,755 | +2.00% more |
| National Average | $140,612 | +10.08% more |
Optometrists in Hartford, CT earn a median of $154,790 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.08% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 2.00% above the Connecticut state average of $151,755.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Hartford has a cost of living 2.75% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Hartford, CT has a cost-of-living index of 102.746 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $154,790 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $150,653 — a 2.67% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$202,280
2025 BLS Actual
$150,340
2026 Current Est.
$154,790
2019–2027 Growth
+-21.2%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Hartford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $202,280 | Actual |
| 2020 | $129,953 | Actual |
| 2021 | $128,690 | Actual |
| 2022 | $138,253 | Actual |
| 2023 | $145,155 | Actual |
| 2024 | $138,270 | Actual |
| 2025 | $150,340 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $154,790 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $159,372 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hartford metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew -25.7% from $202,280 (2019) to $150,340 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $159,372 by 2027 — a total increase of $-42,908 (-21.21%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hartford 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) | $102,795 – $139,686 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $139,686 – $154,790 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $154,790 – $159,444 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $159,444 – $163,305 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Hartford
Hartford's job market is fairly robust, with around 190 optometrists currently employed—indicating a healthy demand for eye care professionals. However, the cost of living in the area, with a CoL index of 102.746, means that while salaries are competitive, they may not stretch as far as in lower-cost states. Among the compensation leaders in Hartford, private optometry practices generally offer better pay compared to retail optical chains, with the OD/MD models in ophthalmology practices also benefiting from surgical referral revenue. Factors that contribute to the variance in pay include practice ownership benefits, potential for higher earnings in specialty care, and whether an optometrist has pursued residency training, which often carries a premium. Those seeking to maximize their pay in Hartford should consider opportunities within private practices, seek additional certifications in expanding scope-of-practice areas, and find ways to align with practices that emphasize shared profitability, such as those integrated with ophthalmology.
More salary data for Hartford, 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 $150,340 for optometristsin the Hartford 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 4-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