Optometrist Salary in Stamford, CT: $151,184 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Stamford, CT earns a median $151,184/year (≈ $72.69/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Stamford's price level (8% above national, BEA RPP 107.9), that paycheck buys what $140,115 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.4% below the Connecticut state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Stamford, Connecticut, projected estimates indicate that the median annual salary for optometrists in 2026 is $151,184, outpacing the national median of $140,612 by 7.52%. With a salary range from $87,687 at the 10th percentile to $227,884 at the 90th percentile, local optometrists benefit from a robust income potential. These figures, derived from BLS state-level data adjusted for regional price parity, reflect a competitive market influenced by the OD/MD model, where revenue from surgical co-management can enhance overall compensation. Stamford's medical and optometric economy positions these professionals favorably, especially as the demand for eye care continues to rise.
About the Stamford Market
Salary estimated from Connecticut average ($145,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $87,687 | $42.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $121,286 | $58.31 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $151,184 | $72.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $185,393 | $89.13 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $227,884 | $109.56 |
Median Salary Position
7.52% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Stamford
In Stamford, CT, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $140,197 (2026 est.). At $151,184, the local median is 7.52% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Stamford: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Stamford Optometrist Pay Compares
Stamford median: $151,184/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Stamford Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut Average | $151,792 | -0.40% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | +7.52% more |
Optometrists in Stamford, CT earn a median of $151,184 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.52% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 0.40% below the Connecticut state average of $151,792.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Stamford has a cost of living 7.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Stamford, CT has a cost-of-living index of 107.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $151,184 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $140,115 — a 7.32% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$123,915
2025 BLS Actual
$146,838
2026 Current Est.
$151,184
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Stamford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $123,915 | Actual |
| 2020 | $126,926 | Actual |
| 2021 | $133,645 | Actual |
| 2022 | $135,032 | Actual |
| 2023 | $141,774 | Actual |
| 2024 | $155,902 | Actual |
| 2025 | $146,838 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $151,184 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $155,659 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Stamford metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $123,915 (2019) to $146,838 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $155,659 by 2027 — a total increase of $31,744 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Stamford 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) | $87,687 – $121,286 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $121,286 – $151,184 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $151,184 – $185,393 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $185,393 – $227,884 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Stamford
The local job market currently employs 27 optometrists, a number that suggests a stable demand for eye care services in Stamford. The cost of living index stands at 107.9, slightly above the national average, indicating that while salaries are higher, take-home pay may be impacted by the increased cost of living. Among local employers, ophthalmology practices utilizing the OD/MD model tend to offer more lucrative pay compared to retail chains like LensCrafters or Pearle Vision. Variations in salary can arise from factors such as practice ownership equity and the specific training or residency specialties. For those looking to maximize their earning potential, pursuing residency training in ocular disease or aligning with practices that share surgical referral revenue can significantly elevate compensation prospects in Stamford, CT.
More salary data for Stamford, 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 $146,838 for optometristsin the Stamford 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 Stamford 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