Optometrist Salary in Bloomfield, NJ: $158,153 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Bloomfield, NJ earns a median $158,153/year (≈ $76.04/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Bloomfield's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $137,286 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.4% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bloomfield, New Jersey, the projected median annual optometrist salary in 2026 is $158,153, reflecting a solid 12.47% increase over the national median for optometrists, which stands at $140,612. The salary range for optometrists in this area spans from a lower threshold of $91,728 to an upper limit of $233,992, providing a diverse outlook for optometrists based on their employment choices. Factors such as whether they operate their own practices, work as associates, or are affiliated with retail chains significantly influence earnings. With varying levels of responsibility and patient care dynamics presented in each structural choice, the Bloomfield optometrist job market is shaped more by practice ownership and group practices than retail optical chains, which have seen a notable decline.
About the Bloomfield Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($150,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $91,728 | $44.10 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $128,063 | $61.57 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $158,153 | $76.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $191,830 | $92.22 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $233,992 | $112.49 |
Median Salary Position
12.47% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bloomfield
In Bloomfield, NJ, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $142,264 (2026 est.). At $158,153, the local median is 12.47% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Bloomfield: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Bloomfield Optometrist Pay Compares
Bloomfield median: $158,153/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bloomfield Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $162,042 | -2.40% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | +12.47% more |
Optometrists in Bloomfield, NJ earn a median of $158,153 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.47% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 2.40% below the New Jersey state average of $162,042.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bloomfield has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bloomfield, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $158,153 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $137,286 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$129,627
2025 BLS Actual
$153,606
2026 Current Est.
$158,153
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Bloomfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $129,627 | Actual |
| 2020 | $132,776 | Actual |
| 2021 | $139,805 | Actual |
| 2022 | $141,256 | Actual |
| 2023 | $148,308 | Actual |
| 2024 | $168,711 | Actual |
| 2025 | $153,606 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $158,153 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $162,834 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bloomfield metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $129,627 (2019) to $153,606 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $162,834 by 2027 — a total increase of $33,207 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bloomfield 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) | $91,728 – $128,063 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $128,063 – $158,153 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $158,153 – $191,830 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $191,830 – $233,992 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Bloomfield
Among the 11 optometrists employed in the Bloomfield area, the cost of living index of 115.2 suggests that while salaries are attractive, take-home purchasing power is slightly challenged compared to the national average. Those in private optometry practices typically command higher salaries than their retail chain counterparts, though innovative models like the OD/MD collaborative approach can offer substantial financial benefits due to surgical referral revenue sharing. The variation in pay also reflects differences in practice ownership equity, levels of residency training such as ocular disease specialties, and the evolving nature of private practices acquired by private equity firms. Optometrists aiming to maximize their pay in this changing market may consider seeking additional qualifications, diversifying their scope of practice, and evaluating employment arrangements that enhance benefits and salary potential.
More salary data for Bloomfield, 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 $153,606 for optometristsin the Bloomfield 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 Bloomfield 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