Optometrist Salary in Shelton, CT: $143,542 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Shelton, CT earns a median $143,542/year (≈ $69.01/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Shelton's price level (8% above national, BEA RPP 107.9), that paycheck buys what $133,032 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.4% below the Connecticut state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Shelton, Connecticut, the projected median annual salary for optometrists in 2026 stands at $143,542, showcasing a competitive edge over the national median of $140,612. Optometrists in the area can expect to earn within a salary range that begins at $83,254 for entry-level positions (P10) and can go up to $201,681 at the upper tier (P90). These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS occupational employment statistics and regional price adjustments. The robust compensation reflects the expanding scope of practice, which includes capabilities such as managing glaucoma and prescribing oral medications. As such, Shelton's job market for optometrists demonstrates strong potential, making it an appealing location for both established practitioners and those entering the field.
About the Shelton Market
Salary estimated from Connecticut average ($145,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $83,254 | $40.03 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $115,301 | $55.43 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $143,542 | $69.01 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $171,937 | $82.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $201,681 | $96.96 |
Median Salary Position
2.08% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Shelton
In Shelton, CT, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $118,427 (2026 est.). At $143,542, the local median is 2.08% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Shelton: You'd be above the median
How Shelton Optometrist Pay Compares
Shelton median: $143,542/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Shelton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut Average | $151,735 | -5.40% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | +2.08% more |
Optometrists in Shelton, CT earn a median of $143,542 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.08% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 5.40% below the Connecticut state average of $151,735.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Shelton has a cost of living 7.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Shelton, CT has a cost-of-living index of 107.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $143,542 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $133,032 — a 7.32% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$117,651
2025 BLS Actual
$139,415
2026 Current Est.
$143,542
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Shelton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $117,651 | Actual |
| 2020 | $120,509 | Actual |
| 2021 | $126,889 | Actual |
| 2022 | $128,206 | Actual |
| 2023 | $134,607 | Actual |
| 2024 | $154,900 | Actual |
| 2025 | $139,415 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $143,542 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $147,791 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Shelton metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $117,651 (2019) to $139,415 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $147,791 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,140 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Shelton 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) | $83,254 – $115,301 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $115,301 – $143,542 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $143,542 – $171,937 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $171,937 – $201,681 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Shelton
On the local employment front, there are currently 10 optometrists working in Shelton, which indicates a relatively small, yet robust job market. The cost-of-living index in the area is 107.9, translating to higher expenses that can affect overall purchasing power. Private practices, particularly those focusing on the OD/MD model and those with ties to surgical practices, tend to offer higher compensation than retail chains like LensCrafters or Walmart Vision. Factors contributing to wage disparities include ownership equity and whether the practice operates as independent or part of a larger corporate structure, especially as many practices have been acquired by private equity firms. For optometrists aiming to maximize their pay in Shelton, strategies such as pursuing residency training in ocular disease or aligning with high-revenue ophthalmology practices can yield significant advantages.
More salary data for Shelton, 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 $139,415 for optometristsin the Shelton 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 Shelton 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