Optometrist Salary in Lackawanna, NY: $155,564 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Lackawanna, NY earns a median $155,564/year (≈ $74.79/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Lackawanna's price level (16% above national, BEA RPP 115.9), that paycheck buys what $134,223 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.4% below the New York state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Optometrists in Lackawanna, NY, can expect a median annual salary of $155,564 in 2026, reflecting a competitive position within the local healthcare landscape. The pay range for this profession varies significantly, from $96,796 at the lower end (P10) to $219,113 at the higher end (P90). These figures, derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost variances, highlight the financial opportunity for optometrists who engage in OD/MD model surgical co-management and maximize revenue through enhanced service offerings. As the demand for comprehensive eye care continues to grow, those in Lackawanna may find favorable earning potential as they navigate this evolving market.
About the Lackawanna Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($150,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $96,796 | $46.54 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $131,742 | $63.34 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $155,564 | $74.79 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $184,651 | $88.77 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $219,113 | $105.34 |
Median Salary Position
10.63% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lackawanna
In Lackawanna, NY, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $122,317 (2026 est.). At $155,564, the local median is 10.63% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lackawanna: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lackawanna Optometrist Pay Compares
Lackawanna median: $155,564/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lackawanna Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New York Average | $166,201 | -6.40% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | +10.63% more |
Optometrists in Lackawanna, NY earn a median of $155,564 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.63% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 6.40% below the New York state average of $166,201.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lackawanna has a cost of living 15.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lackawanna, NY has a cost-of-living index of 115.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $155,564 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $134,223 — a 13.72% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$127,505
2025 BLS Actual
$151,092
2026 Current Est.
$155,564
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Lackawanna (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $127,505 | Actual |
| 2020 | $130,603 | Actual |
| 2021 | $137,517 | Actual |
| 2022 | $138,944 | Actual |
| 2023 | $145,881 | Actual |
| 2024 | $162,706 | Actual |
| 2025 | $151,092 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $155,564 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $160,169 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lackawanna metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $127,505 (2019) to $151,092 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $160,169 by 2027 — a total increase of $32,664 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lackawanna 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) | $96,796 – $131,742 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $131,742 – $155,564 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $155,564 – $184,651 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $184,651 – $219,113 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Lackawanna
In this small city, there are currently five optometrists working, indicating a relatively focused job market. The cost of living index in Lackawanna is 115.9, which suggests that while salaries may appear lucrative, earnings are tempered by increased living expenses. Practice ownership often leads to higher compensation due to equity stakes and varied income from ancillary services. Retail optical chains, such as LensCrafters or Visionworks, may provide more stable employment opportunities, but typically at lower pay rates compared to private practices or ophthalmology settings that leverage surgical referral revenue. Factors such as residency training, particularly in ocular disease or the VA pathway, can also affect earning potential significantly. For those looking to enhance their compensation in this unique market, establishing strong referral networks and pursuing additional certifications in emerging treatment areas like glaucoma management could yield better financial outcomes.
More salary data for Lackawanna, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can optometrists make $100K in Lackawanna?
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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 $151,092 for optometristsin the Lackawanna 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 Lackawanna 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