Optometrist Salary in Bayonne, NJ: $156,409 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Bayonne, NJ earns a median $156,409/year (≈ $75.19/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Bayonne's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $135,772 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.4% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, optometrists practicing in Bayonne, New Jersey, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $156,409, reflecting a competitive market that values the coexistence of optometry and ophthalmology—particularly in the OD/MD surgical co-management models that can significantly enhance revenue streams. This income potential varies considerably, with salaries ranging from $90,717 in the lower 10th percentile to as high as $233,714 for those in the upper echelon of the profession. Data derived from 2025 BLS reports and adjusted for the regional cost of living illustrate that Bayonne's optometrist pay exceeds the national median of $140,612 by approximately 11.23%. Such figures suggest an intriguing job market where skilled optometrists can thrive amidst evolving healthcare practices.
About the Bayonne Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($150,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $90,717 | $43.61 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $124,608 | $59.91 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $156,409 | $75.19 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $191,096 | $91.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $233,714 | $112.36 |
Median Salary Position
11.23% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bayonne
In Bayonne, NJ, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $142,997 (2026 est.). At $156,409, the local median is 11.23% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Bayonne: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Bayonne Optometrist Pay Compares
Bayonne median: $156,409/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bayonne Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $161,914 | -3.40% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | +11.23% more |
Optometrists in Bayonne, NJ earn a median of $156,409 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.23% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 3.40% below the New Jersey state average of $161,914.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bayonne has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bayonne, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $156,409 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $135,772 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$128,197
2025 BLS Actual
$151,912
2026 Current Est.
$156,409
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Bayonne (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $128,197 | Actual |
| 2020 | $131,312 | Actual |
| 2021 | $138,264 | Actual |
| 2022 | $139,699 | Actual |
| 2023 | $146,673 | Actual |
| 2024 | $166,850 | Actual |
| 2025 | $151,912 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $156,409 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $161,038 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bayonne metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $128,197 (2019) to $151,912 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $161,038 by 2027 — a total increase of $32,841 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bayonne 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) | $90,717 – $124,608 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $124,608 – $156,409 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $156,409 – $191,096 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $191,096 – $233,714 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Bayonne
With a modest cohort of 16 optometrists currently employed in Bayonne, the local job market showcases the demand for vision care professionals. However, the cost-of-living index sits at 115.2, indicating that while salaries may be higher, the purchasing power may be less than anticipated, necessitating strategic planning. Among local employers, private optometry practices, especially those utilizing the OD/MD model for surgical referrals, tend to offer the most competitive compensation. The disparity in salaries arises from factors such as practice ownership stakes, advanced residency training in ocular diseases, and the intricacies of employment contracts following private equity acquisitions of practices. For those in Bayonne looking to maximize their earnings, positioning oneself within a profitable practice, considering joining multi-disciplinary setups with ophthalmologists, and investing in specialized training could prove advantageous in the competitive marketplace.
More salary data for Bayonne, NJ:
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 $151,912 for optometristsin the Bayonne 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 Bayonne 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