Optometrist Salary in Manchester, NJ: $156,051 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Manchester, NJ earns a median $156,051/year (≈ $75.03/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Manchester's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $135,461 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.7% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual salary for optometrists in Manchester, NJ, is $156,051, reflecting the demands and responsibilities entailed in their work, particularly in light of the expanded scope of practice that includes glaucoma management and oral medications. The salary range in this area extends from $92,798 at the 10th percentile to $231,586 at the 90th percentile, showcasing potential for high earnings based on experience and specialization. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS state-level data, adjusted for local living costs, indicative of a market that encourages seasoned practitioners to pursue advanced training and certifications. Given Manchester's specific context, optometrists here benefit from a growing demand for comprehensive eye care services, indicating a robust job market for this specialty.
About the Manchester Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($150,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $92,798 | $44.61 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $129,624 | $62.32 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $156,051 | $75.03 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $181,846 | $87.42 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $231,586 | $111.34 |
Median Salary Position
10.98% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Manchester
In Manchester, NJ, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $138,788 (2026 est.). At $156,051, the local median is 10.98% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Manchester: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Manchester Optometrist Pay Compares
Manchester median: $156,051/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Manchester Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $162,047 | -3.70% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | +10.98% more |
Optometrists in Manchester, NJ earn a median of $156,051 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.98% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 3.70% below the New Jersey state average of $162,047.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Manchester has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Manchester, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $156,051 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $135,461 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$127,904
2025 BLS Actual
$151,565
2026 Current Est.
$156,051
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Manchester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $127,904 | Actual |
| 2020 | $131,012 | Actual |
| 2021 | $137,948 | Actual |
| 2022 | $139,379 | Actual |
| 2023 | $146,338 | Actual |
| 2024 | $166,470 | Actual |
| 2025 | $151,565 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $156,051 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $160,670 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Manchester metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $127,904 (2019) to $151,565 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $160,670 by 2027 — a total increase of $32,766 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Manchester 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) | $92,798 – $129,624 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $129,624 – $156,051 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $156,051 – $181,846 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $181,846 – $231,586 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Manchester
Despite the competitive pay, it's crucial for optometrists in Manchester to consider the regional cost of living, which stands at a higher-than-average index of 115.2. This means that while salaries are attractive, the purchasing power may be impacted by local economic factors. With only nine optometrists currently employed in the area, practitioners may find employment opportunities mainly in private optometry practices or ophthalmology settings that offer competitive compensation packages. Moves by private equity firms into the optometry space may influence employment outcomes, particularly as previously independent practices transition to new ownership that can alter pay structures and benefits. To maximize earnings in this market, optometrists should consider pursuing residency training to enhance their marketability, aiming for positions in practices that align with the evolving landscape of eye care, while also exploring opportunities for ownership to increase revenue potential.
More salary data for Manchester, 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 $151,565 for optometristsin the Manchester 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 Manchester 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