Optometrist Salary in Edison, NJ: $159,830 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Edison, NJ earns a median $159,830/year (≈ $76.84/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Edison's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $138,741 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.3% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Edison, New Jersey, the optometrist profession boasts a competitive median salary of $159,830 for the year 2026, significantly exceeding the national median of $140,612 by approximately 13.67%. Local salaries vary widely, ranging from $92,701 at the 10th percentile to $243,707 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the diverse opportunities within the region. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS state-level data, adjusted for regional price parities, and highlight Edison's attractiveness for optometrists as they navigate an evolving scope of practice that now includes glaucoma care, oral medications, and select laser surgeries. This dynamic job market can benefit from the demand for optometric services, particularly as practitioners become increasingly integral to comprehensive eye care.
About the Edison Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($150,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $92,701 | $44.57 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $126,383 | $60.76 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $159,830 | $76.84 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $197,777 | $95.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $243,707 | $117.17 |
Median Salary Position
13.67% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Edison
In Edison, NJ, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $151,006 (2026 est.). At $159,830, the local median is 13.67% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Edison: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Edison Optometrist Pay Compares
Edison median: $159,830/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Edison Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $161,935 | -1.30% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | +13.67% more |
Optometrists in Edison, NJ earn a median of $159,830 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.67% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 1.30% below the New Jersey state average of $161,935.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Edison has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Edison, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $159,830 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $138,741 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$131,001
2025 BLS Actual
$155,235
2026 Current Est.
$159,830
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Edison (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $131,001 | Actual |
| 2020 | $134,184 | Actual |
| 2021 | $141,288 | Actual |
| 2022 | $142,754 | Actual |
| 2023 | $149,881 | Actual |
| 2024 | $170,500 | Actual |
| 2025 | $155,235 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $159,830 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $164,561 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Edison metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $131,001 (2019) to $155,235 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $164,561 by 2027 — a total increase of $33,560 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Edison 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) | $92,701 – $126,383 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $126,383 – $159,830 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $159,830 – $197,777 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $197,777 – $243,707 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Edison
With 20 optometrists currently employed in Edison, the local job market is stable and poised for growth, supported by an above-average cost-of-living index of 115.2. This figures translates to new career considerations for those weighing job offers and negotiating salaries, especially in private practice settings where ownership equity and surgical revenue can significantly enhance compensation. Major employers in Edison include private optometry practices, retail optical chains, and ophthalmology practices, all of which tend to offer varied pay scales influenced by practice models and additional qualifications like residency training. To maximize earnings in this environment, aspiring optometrists may consider pursuing joint OD/MD positions, engaging in continuing education on ocular disease, or seeking employment with vision insurance plans that value comprehensive care delivery and offer competitive compensation packages.
More salary data for Edison, 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 $155,235 for optometristsin the Edison 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 Edison 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