Optometrist Salary in Binghamton, NY: $164,450 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Binghamton, NY earns a median $164,450/year (≈ $79.06/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Binghamton's price level (16% above national, BEA RPP 115.9), that paycheck buys what $141,890 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.1% below the New York state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Binghamton, New York, optometrists can expect a promising median annual salary of $164,450 in 2026, notably exceeding the national median of $140,612 by approximately 16.95%. The salary range displays considerable variation, with typical earnings falling between $95,381 at the lower end and reaching up to $230,828 for those at the higher percentile. These figures account for local economic conditions and adjustments based on state-level data sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The strength of the OD/MD model in Binghamton, which allows optometrists to engage in surgical co-management with ophthalmologists, significantly contributes to compensation rates, creating an attractive job market for both established practitioners and new graduates.
About the Binghamton Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($150,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $95,381 | $45.86 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $138,315 | $66.50 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $164,450 | $79.06 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $193,296 | $92.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $230,828 | $110.97 |
Median Salary Position
16.95% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Binghamton
In Binghamton, NY, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $135,447 (2026 est.). At $164,450, the local median is 16.95% above the national median of $140,612.
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At 40 hours/week in Binghamton: You'd be above the median
How Binghamton Optometrist Pay Compares
Binghamton median: $164,450/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Binghamton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New York Average | $166,279 | -1.10% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | +16.95% more |
Optometrists in Binghamton, NY earn a median of $164,450 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.95% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 1.10% below the New York state average of $166,279.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Binghamton has a cost of living 15.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Binghamton, NY has a cost-of-living index of 115.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $164,450 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $141,890 — a 13.72% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$134,788
2025 BLS Actual
$159,722
2026 Current Est.
$164,450
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Binghamton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $134,788 | Actual |
| 2020 | $138,062 | Actual |
| 2021 | $145,372 | Actual |
| 2022 | $146,881 | Actual |
| 2023 | $154,214 | Actual |
| 2024 | $122,270 | Actual |
| 2025 | $159,722 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $164,450 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $169,317 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Binghamton metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $134,788 (2019) to $159,722 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $169,317 by 2027 — a total increase of $34,529 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Binghamton 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) | $95,381 – $138,315 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $138,315 – $164,450 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $164,450 – $193,296 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $193,296 – $230,828 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Binghamton
Currently, Binghamton employs a modest number of 13 optometrists, highlighting a competitive but limited job market. The cost-of-living index stands at 115.9, indicating that while salaries are higher than the national average, purchasing power will need to be considered carefully, especially as it affects take-home earnings. Among local employers, private optometry practices, especially those integrated into surgical models, generally offer higher salaries compared to retail chains like Visionworks and LensCrafters. Factors contributing to the pay disparity include practice ownership equity, potential revenue streams from surgical referrals, and the value of residency training. Those seeking to maximize their optometrist pay in Binghamton may benefit from pursuing residencies focused on ocular disease or aligning with practices that utilize the OD/MD model to capitalize on diverse revenue opportunities.
More salary data for Binghamton, NY:
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 $159,722 for optometristsin the Binghamton 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 Binghamton 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