Optometrist Salary in New Britain, CT: $149,020 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in New Britain, CT earns a median $149,020/year (≈ $71.64/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in New Britain's price level (8% above national, BEA RPP 107.9), that paycheck buys what $138,109 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.8% below the Connecticut state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the annual income for optometrists in New Britain, Connecticut, is projected to reach a median of $149,020, slightly above the national median of $140,612. This range of earnings showcases notable variation, with salaries spanning from $86,432 at the 10th percentile to $221,863 at the 90th percentile. These figures are specifically calculated to account for local economic conditions and reflect state-level data adjusted for regional price changes. The income potential in New Britain can be significantly influenced by the OD/MD model of surgical co-management, providing opportunities for enhanced revenue through surgical referrals and collaborative care. As the demand for diverse optometric services continues to grow, so too will the compensation for practitioners in the area.
About the New Britain Market
Salary estimated from Connecticut average ($145,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $86,432 | $41.55 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $121,727 | $58.52 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $149,020 | $71.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $182,039 | $87.52 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $221,863 | $106.67 |
Median Salary Position
5.98% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in New Britain
In New Britain, CT, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $135,431 (2026 est.). At $149,020, the local median is 5.98% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in New Britain: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How New Britain Optometrist Pay Compares
New Britain median: $149,020/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | New Britain Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut Average | $151,752 | -1.80% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | +5.98% more |
Optometrists in New Britain, CT earn a median of $149,020 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.98% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 1.80% below the Connecticut state average of $151,752.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
New Britain has a cost of living 7.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
New Britain, CT has a cost-of-living index of 107.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $149,020 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $138,109 — a 7.32% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$122,141
2025 BLS Actual
$144,736
2026 Current Est.
$149,020
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in New Britain (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $122,141 | Actual |
| 2020 | $125,109 | Actual |
| 2021 | $131,732 | Actual |
| 2022 | $133,099 | Actual |
| 2023 | $139,744 | Actual |
| 2024 | $153,670 | Actual |
| 2025 | $144,736 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $149,020 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $153,431 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the New Britain metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $122,141 (2019) to $144,736 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $153,431 by 2027 — a total increase of $31,290 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the New Britain 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) | $86,432 – $121,727 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $121,727 – $149,020 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $149,020 – $182,039 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $182,039 – $221,863 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in New Britain
While 14 optometrists are currently employed in New Britain, the cost of living index of 107.9 suggests that take-home purchasing power may be slightly lower than the national average. Those seeking higher salaries will find lucrative opportunities within specific sectors, such as ophthalmology practices that utilize the OD/MD model, which affords better reimbursement related to surgical procedures. Conversely, positions within retail optical chains may offer more stable, but typically lower, compensation. Factors influencing the pay disparity include practice ownership equity, residency training, and the evolving landscape of private equity in healthcare. Optometrists aiming to maximize their earnings should consider seeking advanced training in ocular disease or establishing relationships with surgical specialists to enhance their service offerings and revenue sharing arrangements.
More salary data for New Britain, CT:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make in New Britain, CT in 2026?
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Can optometrists make $100K in New Britain?
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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 $144,736 for optometristsin the New Britain 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 New Britain 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