Optometrist Salary in West Haven, CT: $148,287 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in West Haven, CT earns a median $148,287/year (≈ $71.29/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in West Haven's price level (8% above national, BEA RPP 107.9), that paycheck buys what $137,430 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.3% below the Connecticut state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In West Haven, Connecticut, the optometrist salary is projected to reach a median of $148,287 for 2026, reflecting a competitive increase over the national median of $140,612. The local compensation encompasses a salary range spanning from $86,007 at the 10th percentile to $219,324 at the 90th percentile. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data, adjusted for regional price differentials, highlight the financial viability of pursuing optometry within this community. The potential for additional revenue through surgical co-management models, particularly in OD/MD partnerships, bolsters earning prospects for optometrists, emphasizing West Haven's growing job market in this sector.
About the West Haven Market
Salary estimated from Connecticut average ($145,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $86,007 | $41.35 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $120,259 | $57.81 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $148,287 | $71.29 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $180,276 | $86.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $219,324 | $105.44 |
Median Salary Position
5.46% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in West Haven
In West Haven, CT, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $133,317 (2026 est.). At $148,287, the local median is 5.46% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in West Haven: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How West Haven Optometrist Pay Compares
West Haven median: $148,287/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | West Haven Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut Average | $151,778 | -2.30% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | +5.46% more |
Optometrists in West Haven, CT earn a median of $148,287 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.46% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 2.30% below the Connecticut state average of $151,778.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
West Haven has a cost of living 7.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
West Haven, CT has a cost-of-living index of 107.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $148,287 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $137,430 — a 7.32% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$121,540
2025 BLS Actual
$144,024
2026 Current Est.
$148,287
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in West Haven (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $121,540 | Actual |
| 2020 | $124,493 | Actual |
| 2021 | $131,084 | Actual |
| 2022 | $132,445 | Actual |
| 2023 | $139,057 | Actual |
| 2024 | $152,914 | Actual |
| 2025 | $144,024 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $148,287 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $152,676 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the West Haven metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $121,540 (2019) to $144,024 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $152,676 by 2027 — a total increase of $31,136 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the West Haven 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) | $86,007 – $120,259 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $120,259 – $148,287 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $148,287 – $180,276 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $180,276 – $219,324 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in West Haven
The optometrist job market in West Haven includes approximately 10 practitioners, which indicates a specialized but stable environment for eye care professionals. With a cost of living index of 107.9, the local salary figures suggest that take-home pay may afford a comfortable lifestyle, albeit with some budgeting for regional expenses. Employers such as ophthalmology practices and private optometry groups tend to provide the highest salaries, especially those utilizing the OD/MD model that shares revenue from surgical referrals. The variation in optometrist pay in West Haven CT results from factors such as practice ownership structure, the influence of residency training, and competitive dynamics between retail optical chains and independent practices. For those seeking to maximize their earnings, focusing on surgical co-management opportunities, pursuing specialties through residency programs, and considering practice ownership or partnerships are effective strategies in this market.
More salary data for West Haven, 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 $144,024 for optometristsin the West Haven 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 West Haven 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