Optometrist Salary in Summit, NJ: $150,957 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Summit, NJ earns a median $150,957/year (≈ $72.58/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Summit's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $131,039 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.8% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The optometrist salary in Summit, New Jersey, is projected to reach $150,957 in 2026, which highlights a competitive wage that outpaces the national median of $140,612 by 7.36%. The salary range for optometrists in the area extends from $92,839 at the 10th percentile to $211,421 at the 90th percentile, showcasing significant potential for earnings based on experience, practice settings, and the adoption of the OD/MD model for surgical co-management. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, and take into account regional cost adjustments, making the local job market in Summit robust and attractive for both new graduates and seasoned professionals.
About the Summit Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($150,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $92,839 | $44.63 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $127,049 | $61.09 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $150,957 | $72.58 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $172,859 | $83.11 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $211,421 | $101.64 |
Median Salary Position
7.36% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Summit
In Summit, NJ, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $118,582 (2026 est.). At $150,957, the local median is 7.36% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Summit: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Summit Optometrist Pay Compares
Summit median: $150,957/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Summit Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $161,971 | -6.80% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | +7.36% more |
Optometrists in Summit, NJ earn a median of $150,957 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.36% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 6.80% below the New Jersey state average of $161,971.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Summit has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Summit, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $150,957 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $131,039 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$123,729
2025 BLS Actual
$146,617
2026 Current Est.
$150,957
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Summit (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $123,729 | Actual |
| 2020 | $126,735 | Actual |
| 2021 | $133,444 | Actual |
| 2022 | $134,829 | Actual |
| 2023 | $141,561 | Actual |
| 2024 | $161,035 | Actual |
| 2025 | $146,617 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $150,957 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $155,425 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Summit metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $123,729 (2019) to $146,617 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $155,425 by 2027 — a total increase of $31,696 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Summit 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) | $92,839 – $127,049 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $127,049 – $150,957 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $150,957 – $172,859 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $172,859 – $211,421 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Summit
Examining the local job market, there are currently five optometrists employed in Summit, NJ, which suggests a niche but dedicated workforce. With a cost-of-living index of 115.2, professionals in the area must consider how this factor affects their purchasing power against their salary. Those seeking to maximize their optometrist pay in Summit should consider employment in ophthalmology practices that utilize the OD/MD model, as these settings often offer higher salaries due to the potential for shared surgical referral revenue. Additionally, private practices that maintain their independence may provide better compensation compared to retail optical chains, especially post-acquisition by private equity firms. Residency training in ocular disease can also position candidates for higher earnings and more specialized roles in the community, enhancing career prospects in this evolving market.
More salary data for Summit, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can optometrists make $100K in Summit?
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Related Pages
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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 $146,617 for optometristsin the Summit 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 Summit 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