Optometrist Salary in Jamestown, NY: $161,586 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Jamestown, NY earns a median $161,586/year (≈ $77.68/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Jamestown's price level (16% above national, BEA RPP 115.9), that paycheck buys what $139,418 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.8% below the New York state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Jamestown, the competitive compensation for optometrists reflects a robust local job market and an expanded scope of practice that enables these professionals to manage a wider range of ocular health issues, including glaucoma and minor surgical procedures. The projected median annual salary for optometrists in 2026 sits at $161,586, with a salary range spanning from $93,720 at the 10th percentile to $226,458 at the 90th percentile. These figures are derived from state-level BLS estimates and adjusted for regional cost factors. With a growing demand for optometric services, particularly in communities that value comprehensive eye care, professionals in Jamestown may find lucrative opportunities ahead as they enter this evolving field.
About the Jamestown Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($150,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $93,720 | $45.06 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $136,002 | $65.39 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $161,586 | $77.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $190,084 | $91.39 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $226,458 | $108.87 |
Median Salary Position
14.92% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Jamestown
In Jamestown, NY, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $132,738 (2026 est.). At $161,586, the local median is 14.92% above the national median of $140,612.
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At 40 hours/week in Jamestown: You'd be above the median
How Jamestown Optometrist Pay Compares
Jamestown median: $161,586/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Jamestown Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New York Average | $166,241 | -2.80% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | +14.92% more |
Optometrists in Jamestown, NY earn a median of $161,586 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.92% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 2.80% below the New York state average of $166,241.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Jamestown has a cost of living 15.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Jamestown, NY has a cost-of-living index of 115.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $161,586 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $139,418 — a 13.72% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$132,441
2025 BLS Actual
$156,941
2026 Current Est.
$161,586
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Jamestown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $132,441 | Actual |
| 2020 | $135,659 | Actual |
| 2021 | $142,841 | Actual |
| 2022 | $144,323 | Actual |
| 2023 | $151,528 | Actual |
| 2024 | $169,005 | Actual |
| 2025 | $156,941 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $161,586 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $166,369 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Jamestown metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $132,441 (2019) to $156,941 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $166,369 by 2027 — a total increase of $33,928 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Jamestown 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) | $93,720 – $136,002 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $136,002 – $161,586 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $161,586 – $190,084 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $190,084 – $226,458 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Jamestown
The optometry job landscape in Jamestown consists of only five employed optometrists, indicating a relatively tight-knit market where competition may drive salaries higher for capable practitioners. With a cost of living index of 115.9, take-home pay can feel substantially different from hourly rate calculations, influencing what optometrists can afford. Those seeking top optometrist pay in Jamestown, NY, may find the greatest salaries in private practices, especially if they feature ownership opportunities or work within an OD/MD model. Factors such as residency training, particularly in ocular disease, and operational differences between retail chains and private practices create a diverse salary spectrum. By engaging with local practices and building a strong referral network, optometrists may enhance their market position and overall income potential in this evolving optometric landscape.
More salary data for Jamestown, 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 $156,941 for optometristsin the Jamestown 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 Jamestown 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