Optometrist Salary in Manchester, CT: $153,010 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Manchester, CT earns a median $153,010/year (≈ $73.56/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Manchester's price level (8% above national, BEA RPP 107.9), that paycheck buys what $141,807 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% above the Connecticut state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, optometrists in Manchester, Connecticut, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $153,010, which reflects a competitive advantage compared to the national median of $140,612. Salaries in this field range from $88,745 at the 10th percentile to $226,604 at the 90th percentile, showing a robust income potential based on experience and practice type. These figures, derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost factors, indicate how much do optometrists make in Manchester compared to other locations. The local market presents a mix of practice ownership, employed associates, and retail chain options, each affecting compensation structures and job availability. The local demand for eye care services continues to grow, aligning with the evolving landscape of optometry as practitioners expand their roles.
About the Manchester Market
Salary estimated from Connecticut average ($145,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $88,745 | $42.67 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $120,681 | $58.02 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $153,010 | $73.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $185,723 | $89.29 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $226,604 | $108.94 |
Median Salary Position
8.82% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Manchester
In Manchester, CT, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $137,859 (2026 est.). At $153,010, the local median is 8.82% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Manchester: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Manchester Optometrist Pay Compares
Manchester median: $153,010/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Manchester Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut Average | $151,796 | +0.80% more |
| National Average | $140,612 | +8.82% more |
Optometrists in Manchester, CT earn a median of $153,010 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.82% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 0.80% above the Connecticut state average of $151,796.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Manchester has a cost of living 7.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Manchester, CT has a cost-of-living index of 107.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $153,010 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $141,807 — a 7.32% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$125,411
2025 BLS Actual
$148,611
2026 Current Est.
$153,010
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Manchester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $125,411 | Actual |
| 2020 | $128,458 | Actual |
| 2021 | $135,259 | Actual |
| 2022 | $136,663 | Actual |
| 2023 | $143,486 | Actual |
| 2024 | $157,784 | Actual |
| 2025 | $148,611 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $153,010 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $157,539 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Manchester metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $125,411 (2019) to $148,611 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $157,539 by 2027 — a total increase of $32,128 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Manchester 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) | $88,745 – $120,681 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $120,681 – $153,010 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $153,010 – $185,723 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $185,723 – $226,604 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Manchester
The job market for optometrists in Manchester is relatively stable, with 11 professionals currently employed in the area. However, the cost of living index of 107.9 suggests that while salaries may appear attractive, the higher living expenses can impact overall purchasing power. Among the various employers, private optometry practices and the OD/MD model tend to offer the most competitive pay compared to retail optical chains like LensCrafters and Pearle Vision. Factors such as practice ownership, socio-economic conditions in the area, and specialized training, including residency programs, can widen the pay gap. For those looking to maximize their earnings, focusing on comprehensive eye care in a private setting or seeking collaborative roles in integrated OD/MD practices may yield more favorable financial outcomes in Manchester CT.
More salary data for Manchester, CT:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can optometrists make $100K in Manchester?
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Related Pages
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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 $148,611 for optometristsin the Manchester 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 Manchester 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