Optometrist Salary in Long Branch, NJ: $158,050 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Long Branch, NJ earns a median $158,050/year (≈ $75.98/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Long Branch's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $137,196 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.4% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected optometrist salary in Long Branch, New Jersey, is estimated at $158,050, surpassing the national median of $140,612 by a notable margin. This competitive compensation reflects the local scope of practice laws, allowing optometrists to engage in glaucoma management, prescribe oral medications, and perform select laser procedures. With a salary range from $91,668 at the 10th percentile to $232,858 at the 90th percentile, the diverse earning potential caters to various career paths and settings, including private practices, retail optical chains, and specialized medical collaborations. The estimates are derived from the BLS state-level data and regional price parities, highlighting the growing demand for optometrists in the area and the vitality of Long Branch's healthcare job market.
About the Long Branch Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($150,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $91,668 | $44.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $124,105 | $59.67 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $158,050 | $75.98 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $192,484 | $92.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $232,858 | $111.95 |
Median Salary Position
12.40% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Long Branch
In Long Branch, NJ, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $141,190 (2026 est.). At $158,050, the local median is 12.4% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Long Branch: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Long Branch Optometrist Pay Compares
Long Branch median: $158,050/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Long Branch Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $161,936 | -2.40% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | +12.40% more |
Optometrists in Long Branch, NJ earn a median of $158,050 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.40% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 2.40% below the New Jersey state average of $161,936.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Long Branch has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Long Branch, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $158,050 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $137,196 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$129,542
2025 BLS Actual
$153,506
2026 Current Est.
$158,050
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Long Branch (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $129,542 | Actual |
| 2020 | $132,689 | Actual |
| 2021 | $139,714 | Actual |
| 2022 | $141,164 | Actual |
| 2023 | $148,212 | Actual |
| 2024 | $168,602 | Actual |
| 2025 | $153,506 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $158,050 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $162,728 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Long Branch metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $129,542 (2019) to $153,506 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $162,728 by 2027 — a total increase of $33,186 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Long Branch 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) | $91,668 – $124,105 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $124,105 – $158,050 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $158,050 – $192,484 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $192,484 – $232,858 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Long Branch
Looking at the local job market context, Long Branch employs eight optometrists, suggesting a tight-knit community but also a competitive atmosphere for practitioners. The cost of living index at 115.2 indicates that while salaries may be higher than the national average, the purchasing power for residents in the area is somewhat diminished due to elevated living expenses. Private optometry practices often offer the highest compensation among local employers, especially those aligned with residency-trained ODs who can leverage their qualifications in ocular disease treatment. Differences in salary often reflect the dynamics of practice ownership, where equity stakes lead to higher pay compared to retail chains. To maximize pay in Long Branch, optometrists are advised to consider creating or joining practices that emphasize specialty care, potentially explore dual OD/MD roles for surgical referrals, and pursue continuous education to expand their services and efficiency.
More salary data for Long Branch, 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 $153,506 for optometristsin the Long Branch 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 Long Branch 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