Optometrist Salary in Elmira, NY: $157,330 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Elmira, NY earns a median $157,330/year (≈ $75.63/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Elmira's price level (16% above national, BEA RPP 115.9), that paycheck buys what $135,746 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.3% below the New York state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the optometrist salary in Elmira, NY, is projected to reach a median of $157,330, which is notably higher than the national average of $140,612 by approximately 11.89%. This competitive pay reflects the state's broad scope of practice that enables optometrists to manage glaucoma, prescribe oral medications, and perform select laser procedures, further elevating the profession's demand. The salary range for optometrists in Elmira varies significantly, with the lowest earners bringing in $91,251 and the highest reaching $222,227, indicating a healthy market for skilled professionals. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, factoring in regional price parities that impact local compensation dynamics uniquely tailored to Elmira's economic environment.
About the Elmira Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($150,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $91,251 | $43.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $127,358 | $61.23 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $157,330 | $75.63 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $186,252 | $89.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $222,227 | $106.84 |
Median Salary Position
11.89% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Elmira
In Elmira, NY, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $130,976 (2026 est.). At $157,330, the local median is 11.89% above the national median of $140,612.
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At 40 hours/week in Elmira: You'd be above the median
How Elmira Optometrist Pay Compares
Elmira median: $157,330/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Elmira Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New York Average | $166,135 | -5.30% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | +11.89% more |
Optometrists in Elmira, NY earn a median of $157,330 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.89% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 5.30% below the New York state average of $166,135.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Elmira has a cost of living 15.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Elmira, NY has a cost-of-living index of 115.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $157,330 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $135,746 — a 13.72% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$128,952
2025 BLS Actual
$152,807
2026 Current Est.
$157,330
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Elmira (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $128,952 | Actual |
| 2020 | $132,085 | Actual |
| 2021 | $139,078 | Actual |
| 2022 | $140,522 | Actual |
| 2023 | $147,537 | Actual |
| 2024 | $164,554 | Actual |
| 2025 | $152,807 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $157,330 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $161,987 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Elmira metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $128,952 (2019) to $152,807 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $161,987 by 2027 — a total increase of $33,035 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Elmira 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) | $91,251 – $127,358 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $127,358 – $157,330 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $157,330 – $186,252 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $186,252 – $222,227 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Elmira
With only six optometrists currently employed in the area, Elmira's job market for this profession remains relatively small, which can result in opportunities for those with specialized training, such as residency programs focused on ocular disease or collaboration within a multi-disciplinary model alongside ophthalmologists. However, the cost of living index in Elmira is 115.9, indicating that daily expenses are above the national average, which can affect the net income available for personal spending. Within the local market, optometrists working in private practices may experience higher earning potential compared to those in retail chains, due to factors such as ownership equity and diverse patient care models. To maximize pay in this specific market, optometrists should consider building a robust patient base, pursuing additional certifications, and networking within the community to elevate their practice's recognition and income potential.
More salary data for Elmira, 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 $152,807 for optometristsin the Elmira 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 Elmira 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