Optometrist Salary in Long Beach, NY: $163,844 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Long Beach, NY earns a median $163,844/year (≈ $78.77/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Long Beach's price level (16% above national, BEA RPP 115.9), that paycheck buys what $141,367 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.4% below the New York state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Long Beach, NY, the earning potential for optometrists is quite promising, with a projected median annual salary of $163,844 in 2026. This figure surpasses the national median by over 16%, highlighting the local market's competitive nature. Optometrists in the area can expect salaries ranging from $95,030 at the lower end to $228,377 for top earners, reflecting various employment structures. The choice between private practice ownership, retail optical chains, or employed associate roles significantly influences compensation, as owners and those affiliated with higher-revenue practices tend to earn more. Local estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional price parities ensure an accurate representation of job market dynamics for optometrists in Long Beach, where specialized training and practice settings can lead to substantial income variations.
About the Long Beach Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($150,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $95,030 | $45.68 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $130,715 | $62.85 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $163,844 | $78.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $192,105 | $92.36 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $228,377 | $109.80 |
Median Salary Position
16.52% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Long Beach
In Long Beach, NY, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $133,347 (2026 est.). At $163,844, the local median is 16.52% above the national median of $140,612.
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At 40 hours/week in Long Beach: You'd be above the median
How Long Beach Optometrist Pay Compares
Long Beach median: $163,844/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Long Beach Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New York Average | $166,171 | -1.40% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | +16.52% more |
Optometrists in Long Beach, NY earn a median of $163,844 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.52% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 1.40% below the New York state average of $166,171.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Long Beach has a cost of living 15.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Long Beach, NY has a cost-of-living index of 115.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $163,844 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $141,367 — a 13.72% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$134,292
2025 BLS Actual
$159,134
2026 Current Est.
$163,844
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Long Beach (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $134,292 | Actual |
| 2020 | $137,554 | Actual |
| 2021 | $144,837 | Actual |
| 2022 | $146,340 | Actual |
| 2023 | $153,646 | Actual |
| 2024 | $171,366 | Actual |
| 2025 | $159,134 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $163,844 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $168,694 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Long Beach metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $134,292 (2019) to $159,134 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $168,694 by 2027 — a total increase of $34,402 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Long Beach 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) | $95,030 – $130,715 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $130,715 – $163,844 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $163,844 – $192,105 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $192,105 – $228,377 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Long Beach
The job market for optometrists in Long Beach remains relatively strong, with seven practicing professionals currently employed in the area. However, the cost of living index stands at 115.9, indicating a higher-than-average expense ratio compared to national norms, which can impact take-home pay and purchasing power. Among local employers, private optometry practices and ophthalmology groups generally offer the most lucrative positions, particularly those that can leverage referral pathways alongside surgeons. Factors contributing to disparities in pay include the structure of the practice—ownership typically yields greater earnings than retail chain affiliations—and educational background, with residency-trained optometrists often commanding premiums. For those seeking to maximize their compensation in Long Beach, aligning with high-revenue practice models, engaging in continued specialty training, and considering ownership opportunities can be key strategies in enhancing optometrist pay in Long Beach, NY.
More salary data for Long Beach, 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 $159,134 for optometristsin the Long Beach 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 Long Beach 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