Optometrist Salary in New London, CT: $146,127 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in New London, CT earns a median $146,127/year (≈ $70.25/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in New London's price level (8% above national, BEA RPP 107.9), that paycheck buys what $135,428 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.7% below the Connecticut state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected optometrist salary in New London, Connecticut, stands at $146,127, reflecting a competitive position when compared to the national average of $140,612. Local salaries range from $86,839 at the lowest 10th percentile to $211,619 at the highest 90th percentile, showcasing significant earning potential based on practice ownership or employment choices. The market consists of various employment structures, including private practices, retail optical chains, and those affiliated with ophthalmology groups. Those who establish their own practices or join high-revenue settings that encompass surgical referrals tend to command higher salaries, positively influencing the overall job market dynamics in New London.
About the New London Market
Salary estimated from Connecticut average ($145,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $86,839 | $41.75 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $121,337 | $58.34 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $146,127 | $70.25 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $175,725 | $84.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $211,619 | $101.73 |
Median Salary Position
3.92% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in New London
In New London, CT, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $124,780 (2026 est.). At $146,127, the local median is 3.92% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in New London: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How New London Optometrist Pay Compares
New London median: $146,127/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | New London Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut Average | $151,741 | -3.70% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | +3.92% more |
Optometrists in New London, CT earn a median of $146,127 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.92% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 3.70% below the Connecticut state average of $151,741.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
New London has a cost of living 7.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
New London, CT has a cost-of-living index of 107.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $146,127 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $135,428 — a 7.32% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$119,770
2025 BLS Actual
$141,926
2026 Current Est.
$146,127
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in New London (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $119,770 | Actual |
| 2020 | $122,680 | Actual |
| 2021 | $129,175 | Actual |
| 2022 | $130,515 | Actual |
| 2023 | $137,031 | Actual |
| 2024 | $150,687 | Actual |
| 2025 | $141,926 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $146,127 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $150,452 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the New London metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $119,770 (2019) to $141,926 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $150,452 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,682 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the New London 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) | $86,839 – $121,337 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $121,337 – $146,127 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $146,127 – $175,725 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $175,725 – $211,619 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in New London
The job market for optometrists in New London currently employs five practitioners, an indicator of a niche but stable demand in the area. A cost-of-living index of 107.9 suggests that while salaries are fairly competitive, living expenses may be higher than the U.S. national average, potentially impacting purchasing power. Private optometry practices, especially those that remain independent, often provide more lucrative compensation compared to retail optical chains such as LensCrafters or Visionworks. Factors contributing to salary discrepancies include ownership equity, the nature of the practice setting, and the differences in training and expertise, such as those specializing in ocular diseases or participating in collaborative models with ophthalmologists. To maximize pay in the New London market, optometrists should consider pursuing advanced residency training and align with practices that focus on expanding their scope of services, thereby enhancing their value and negotiation power within the industry.
More salary data for New London, 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 $141,926 for optometristsin the New London 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 London 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