Optometrist Salary in East Brunswick, NJ: $158,490 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in East Brunswick, NJ earns a median $158,490/year (≈ $76.20/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in East Brunswick's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $137,578 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.2% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the optometrist salary in East Brunswick, New Jersey, stands at a commendable $158,490, surpassing the national median of $140,612 by 12.71%. With salaries in this field ranging from $91,925 at the lower end (P10) to $233,976 at the high tier (P90), local practitioners benefit from a robust compensation framework influenced by the OD/MD model of surgical co-management. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and regional price adjustments, highlight East Brunswick's competitive market for optometrists. This thriving environment is likely bolstered by the demand for enhanced optical services and an increasing local population seeking care.
About the East Brunswick Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($150,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $91,925 | $44.19 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $124,991 | $60.09 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $158,490 | $76.20 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $184,419 | $88.66 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $233,976 | $112.48 |
Median Salary Position
12.71% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in East Brunswick
In East Brunswick, NJ, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $142,051 (2026 est.). At $158,490, the local median is 12.71% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in East Brunswick: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How East Brunswick Optometrist Pay Compares
East Brunswick median: $158,490/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | East Brunswick Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $162,056 | -2.20% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | +12.71% more |
Optometrists in East Brunswick, NJ earn a median of $158,490 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.71% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 2.20% below the New Jersey state average of $162,056.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
East Brunswick has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
East Brunswick, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $158,490 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $137,578 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$129,903
2025 BLS Actual
$153,934
2026 Current Est.
$158,490
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in East Brunswick (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $129,903 | Actual |
| 2020 | $133,059 | Actual |
| 2021 | $140,104 | Actual |
| 2022 | $141,558 | Actual |
| 2023 | $148,625 | Actual |
| 2024 | $169,071 | Actual |
| 2025 | $153,934 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $158,490 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $163,182 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the East Brunswick metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $129,903 (2019) to $153,934 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $163,182 by 2027 — a total increase of $33,279 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the East Brunswick 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) | $91,925 – $124,991 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $124,991 – $158,490 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $158,490 – $184,419 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $184,419 – $233,976 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in East Brunswick
Despite the attractive pay structures, optometrists in East Brunswick face a cost-of-living index of 115.2, which can affect take-home earnings. With only eight optometrists employed locally, job opportunities are relatively concentrated, creating a competitive yet potentially lucrative market. Notably, private optometry practices and ophthalmology groups employing the OD/MD model often lead in compensation, as they can leverage surgical revenue sharing. Gaps in earnings arise from varying practice ownership models and regional nuances, such as residency training in ocular disease or the demands of post-acquisition employment at private-equity-owned practices. For those seeking to maximize their optometrist pay in East Brunswick, pursuing specialized training and aligning with high-revenue practices can significantly enhance earning potential.
More salary data for East Brunswick, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make in East Brunswick, NJ in 2026?
Is East Brunswick, NJ a good place to work as a optometrist?
Can optometrists make $100K in East Brunswick?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted optometrist salary in East Brunswick?
How much does a optometrist make per hour in East Brunswick?
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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 $153,934 for optometristsin the East Brunswick 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 East Brunswick 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