Optometrist Salary in Delaware: $156,729 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Delaware's 6 metropolitan areas, the average median optometrist pay sits at $156,729/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 29-1041. Because Delaware sits at BEA RPP 101.7 (2% above the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $154,109 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Dover ($165,660), Wilmington ($156,610), Newark ($137,996).
In Delaware, the average median salary for optometrists is projected to be $156,729 in 2026, which is 11.5% higher than the national median of $140,612. The highest paying city in the state is Dover, where optometrists can expect to earn approximately $170,564, while the lowest is Middletown at $132,128, reflecting a salary gap of $38,436. This difference can be attributed to various factors, including local demand for eye care services, population demographics, and the concentration of optometric practices in urban areas. Delaware's optometrists must navigate state licensing requirements and adhere to scope of practice laws that could influence job responsibilities and compensation. The demand for optometry services is projected to grow, with a 2.96% annual compound growth rate based on 2025 BLS data. As of now, there are 62 optometrists employed in the state, indicating a steady job market. For those considering a career in optometry, understanding these figures and local conditions can help in making informed decisions about practice locations and potential earnings in Delaware's diverse metropolitan areas, including Wilmington, Newark, Bear, and Smyrna.
Delaware Optometrist Salary Range
Overall salary range in Delaware: $76,634 (lowest entry-level) to $231,989 (highest top earner)
Delaware vs National Average
Delaware optometrists earn 11.46% more than the national median (+$16,117/year difference).
Delaware Optometrist Salary Distribution (2026)
Optometrist salaries in Delaware range from $94,617 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $205,175 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $156,729. The Delaware median is $16,117 above the US national median of $140,612. The average hourly rate is $75.35/hr. Approximately 62 optometrists are employed across 6 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$128,459
2025 BLS Actual
$152,223
2026 Current Est.
$156,729
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Delaware (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $128,459 | Actual |
| 2020 | $131,580 | Actual |
| 2021 | $138,547 | Actual |
| 2022 | $139,985 | Actual |
| 2023 | $124,890 | Actual |
| 2024 | $145,839 | Actual |
| 2025 | $152,223 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $156,729 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $161,368 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Delaware metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $128,459 (2019) to $152,223 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $161,368 by 2027 — a total increase of $32,909 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Delaware 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.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in Delaware
Lowest Paying Cities in Delaware
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Middletown | $132,128 |
| Smyrna | $132,482 |
| Bear | $137,042 |
| Newark | $142,081 |
| Wilmington | $161,246 |
Best Value Cities for Optometrists in Delaware
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Delaware cities offer the most purchasing power for optometrists.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dover | $170,564 | 97.507 | $174,925 |
| Wilmington | $161,246 | 101.7 | $158,551 |
| Newark | $142,081 | 101.7 | $139,706 |
| Bear | $137,042 | 101.7 | $134,751 |
| Smyrna | $132,482 | 101.7 | $130,267 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Delaware
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $94,617 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $156,729 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $205,175 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Delaware metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 6 Cities in Delaware
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dover | $170,564 |
| 2 | Wilmington | $161,246 |
| 3 | Newark | $142,081 |
| 4 | Bear | $137,042 |
| 5 | Smyrna | $132,482 |
| 6 | Middletown | $132,128 |
More Delaware Salary Data
Explore More Optometrist Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make in Delaware in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for optometrists in Delaware?
How does Delaware optometrist pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level optometrist salary in Delaware?
How many optometrists are employed in Delaware?
Which Delaware city offers the best value for optometrists?
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
Statewide 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. A 2.96% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 optometrist compensation across Delaware. State averages are employment-weighted across 6 metro areas — larger metro areas with more optometristscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 3-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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