Optometrist Salary in Middletown, DE: $132,128 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Middletown, DE earns a median $132,128/year (≈ $63.53/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Middletown's price level (2% above national, BEA RPP 101.7), that paycheck buys what $129,919 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.6% below the Delaware state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The optometrist salary in Middletown, DE, reflects the evolving landscape of eye care practice, particularly as the state's scope of practice has expanded to include glaucoma treatment and the prescription of oral medications. As of 2026, professionals in this field can anticipate a median annual income of $132,128, with salaries ranging from $76,634 at the lower end (10th percentile) to as high as $182,943 at the upper end (90th percentile). These figures are drawn from estimates based on 2025 BLS data that account for regional cost adjustments, providing a comprehensive perspective on what's attainable in the Middletown job market. Given the limited number of optometrists employed locally, the presence of well-trained professionals paired with a growing demand for enhanced eye care services helps stabilize and potentially increase local salaries.
About the Middletown Market
Salary estimated from Delaware average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,634 | $36.84 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $106,831 | $51.36 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $132,128 | $63.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $154,877 | $74.46 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $182,943 | $87.96 |
Median Salary Position
6.03% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Middletown
In Middletown, DE, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $106,309 (2026 est.). At $132,128, the local median is 6.03% below the national median of $140,612.
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At 40 hours/week in Middletown: You'd be above the median
How Middletown Optometrist Pay Compares
Middletown median: $132,128/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Middletown Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Delaware Average | $142,995 | -7.60% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -6.03% less |
Optometrists in Middletown, DE earn a median of $132,128 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.03% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 7.60% below the Delaware state average of $142,995.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Middletown has a cost of living 1.70% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Middletown, DE has a cost-of-living index of 101.7 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $132,128 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $129,919 — a 1.67% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$108,296
2025 BLS Actual
$128,329
2026 Current Est.
$132,128
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Middletown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $108,296 | Actual |
| 2020 | $110,927 | Actual |
| 2021 | $116,799 | Actual |
| 2022 | $118,012 | Actual |
| 2023 | $123,903 | Actual |
| 2024 | $126,853 | Actual |
| 2025 | $128,329 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $132,128 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $136,039 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Middletown metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $108,296 (2019) to $128,329 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $136,039 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,743 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Middletown 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) | $76,634 – $106,831 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $106,831 – $132,128 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $132,128 – $154,877 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $154,877 – $182,943 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Middletown
With only six optometrists currently practicing in Middletown, the job market presents unique opportunities, especially in considering the cost of living index which stands at 101.7, slightly above the national average. This index indicates that while salaries might appear lower than the national median of $140,612, the purchasing power remains relevant when examining local expenses. Among potential employers, private optometry practices tend to offer higher compensation compared to retail optical chains, driven largely by the profit-sharing potential within the OD/MD model and prospects for ownership equity. While practice ownership and specialized residency training can lead to significant pay disparities, those who navigate their careers wisely—by considering affiliations with established practices or exploring opportunities in higher-paying roles within ophthalmology—can maximize their earnings and enhance their professional satisfaction in Middletown.
More salary data for Middletown, DE:
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 $128,329 for optometristsin the Middletown 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 Middletown 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