Optometrist Salary in Auburn, NY: $157,976 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Auburn, NY earns a median $157,976/year (≈ $75.95/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Auburn's price level (16% above national, BEA RPP 115.9), that paycheck buys what $136,304 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.0% below the New York state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the optometrist salary in Auburn, NY, is projected to reach a median annual figure of $157,976, surpassing the national median of $140,612 by approximately 12.35%. With salaries ranging from $91,626 at the 10th percentile to as high as $229,856 for the 90th percentile, the compensation reflects not only the demand for eye care professionals but also the scope of practice in New York, which includes glaucoma management and the ability to prescribe oral medications. These advanced skills potentially enhance earning power, particularly in an area like Auburn where local estimates derived from BLS state-level data indicate that only four optometrists are currently employed. This limited workforce underscores both the need for optometrists and the opportunities available for those entering the field.
About the Auburn Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($150,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $91,626 | $44.05 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $128,651 | $61.85 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $157,976 | $75.95 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $190,989 | $91.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $229,856 | $110.51 |
Median Salary Position
12.35% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Auburn
In Auburn, NY, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $138,230 (2026 est.). At $157,976, the local median is 12.35% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Auburn: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Auburn Optometrist Pay Compares
Auburn median: $157,976/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Auburn Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New York Average | $166,290 | -5.00% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | +12.35% more |
Optometrists in Auburn, NY earn a median of $157,976 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.35% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 5.00% below the New York state average of $166,290.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Auburn has a cost of living 15.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Auburn, NY has a cost-of-living index of 115.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $157,976 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $136,304 — a 13.72% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$129,481
2025 BLS Actual
$153,434
2026 Current Est.
$157,976
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Auburn (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $129,481 | Actual |
| 2020 | $132,627 | Actual |
| 2021 | $139,649 | Actual |
| 2022 | $141,098 | Actual |
| 2023 | $148,142 | Actual |
| 2024 | $165,228 | Actual |
| 2025 | $153,434 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $157,976 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $162,652 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Auburn metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $129,481 (2019) to $153,434 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $162,652 by 2027 — a total increase of $33,171 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Auburn 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) | $91,626 – $128,651 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $128,651 – $157,976 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $157,976 – $190,989 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $190,989 – $229,856 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Auburn
Examining the local job market, the four practicing optometrists in Auburn demonstrate a stable demand for eye care services. However, potential employees should consider the cost of living index, which stands at 115.9, indicating that while salaries may appear attractive, purchasing power is slightly diminished compared to the national average. Opportunities to maximize income exist within various employment settings in Auburn, with private optometry practices, particularly those operating under the OD/MD model, usually offering the highest compensation. Factors such as practice ownership equity, the presence or absence of residency training specializing in ocular disease, and the dynamics of post-acquisition contracts in private equity-owned practices all contribute to the variance in optometrist pay in Auburn, NY. For new graduates or those looking to negotiate salaries, aligning with practices that offer advanced training opportunities and exploring roles within multi-disciplinary clinics can enhance their marketability and potential earnings.
More salary data for Auburn, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can optometrists make $100K in Auburn?
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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 $153,434 for optometristsin the Auburn 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 Auburn 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