Optometrist Salary in Perth Amboy, NJ: $158,667 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Perth Amboy, NJ earns a median $158,667/year (≈ $76.28/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Perth Amboy's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $137,732 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.0% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the optometrist salary in Perth Amboy, NJ, is projected to reach a median of $158,667, positioning it significantly above the national median of $140,612. This salary reflects local market conditions and can vary widely among practitioners, with the lowest 10% earning around $92,027 and the top 90% making as much as $235,768. Factors influencing these figures include whether optometrists are employed in retail chains, practice ownership, or outpatient ophthalmology settings. As optometrists consider their career paths in Perth Amboy, understanding the dynamics of practice ownership versus employment is crucial, as it plays a key role in compensation structures within the local market.
About the Perth Amboy Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($150,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $92,027 | $44.24 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $129,088 | $62.06 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $158,667 | $76.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $193,062 | $92.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $235,768 | $113.35 |
Median Salary Position
12.84% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Perth Amboy
In Perth Amboy, NJ, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $143,741 (2026 est.). At $158,667, the local median is 12.84% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Perth Amboy: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Perth Amboy Optometrist Pay Compares
Perth Amboy median: $158,667/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Perth Amboy Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $161,905 | -2.00% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | +12.84% more |
Optometrists in Perth Amboy, NJ earn a median of $158,667 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.84% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 2.00% below the New Jersey state average of $161,905.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Perth Amboy has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Perth Amboy, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $158,667 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $137,732 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$130,048
2025 BLS Actual
$154,105
2026 Current Est.
$158,667
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Perth Amboy (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $130,048 | Actual |
| 2020 | $133,207 | Actual |
| 2021 | $140,260 | Actual |
| 2022 | $141,715 | Actual |
| 2023 | $148,790 | Actual |
| 2024 | $169,259 | Actual |
| 2025 | $154,105 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $158,667 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $163,363 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Perth Amboy metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $130,048 (2019) to $154,105 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $163,363 by 2027 — a total increase of $33,315 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Perth Amboy 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) | $92,027 – $129,088 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $129,088 – $158,667 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $158,667 – $193,062 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $193,062 – $235,768 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Perth Amboy
The job market for optometrists in Perth Amboy is modest but stable, with 13 professionals currently practicing in the area. The local cost of living index is 115.2, indicating that expenses are higher than the national average, which can affect overall purchasing power. Employers offering the most competitive pay typically include private optometry practices and ophthalmology groups, while retail chains may present lower salary options. The disparity in salaries can be attributed to various factors such as ownership equity, the integration of optometrists within ophthalmology practices, and advanced training such as residencies that may justify higher pay. To maximize earnings in this market, optometrists should leverage any specialty training, consider the benefits of practice ownership, and remain proactive about career opportunities within both private and corporate settings in Perth Amboy.
More salary data for Perth Amboy, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make in Perth Amboy, NJ in 2026?
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Can optometrists make $100K in Perth Amboy?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted optometrist salary in Perth Amboy?
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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 $154,105 for optometristsin the Perth Amboy 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 Perth Amboy 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