Optometrist Salary in Mount Vernon, NY: $165,116 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Mount Vernon, NY earns a median $165,116/year (≈ $79.38/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Mount Vernon's price level (16% above national, BEA RPP 115.9), that paycheck buys what $142,464 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.7% below the New York state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Mount Vernon, NY, the projected compensation for optometrists in 2026 shows a favorable market for ODs, particularly due to the integration of the OD/MD model that enhances revenue streams through surgical co-management. The median annual salary is forecasted to reach $165,116, with salaries ranging considerably from $95,767 at the 10th percentile to $249,975 at the 90th percentile. These figures, which reflect local conditions based on 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional price levels, highlight the potential for significant earnings that exceed the national median optometrist salary of $140,612 by approximately 17.43%. With ongoing demand in the area, the job market for optometrists remains vibrant, indicating strong growth and opportunities for new professionals entering the field.
About the Mount Vernon Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($150,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $95,767 | $46.04 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $137,110 | $65.91 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $165,116 | $79.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $203,684 | $97.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $249,975 | $120.19 |
Median Salary Position
17.43% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Mount Vernon
In Mount Vernon, NY, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $154,208 (2026 est.). At $165,116, the local median is 17.43% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Mount Vernon: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Mount Vernon Optometrist Pay Compares
Mount Vernon median: $165,116/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Mount Vernon Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New York Average | $166,280 | -0.70% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | +17.43% more |
Optometrists in Mount Vernon, NY earn a median of $165,116 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.43% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 0.70% below the New York state average of $166,280.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Mount Vernon has a cost of living 15.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Mount Vernon, NY has a cost-of-living index of 115.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $165,116 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $142,464 — a 13.72% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$135,334
2025 BLS Actual
$160,369
2026 Current Est.
$165,116
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Mount Vernon (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $135,334 | Actual |
| 2020 | $138,622 | Actual |
| 2021 | $145,961 | Actual |
| 2022 | $147,476 | Actual |
| 2023 | $154,838 | Actual |
| 2024 | $172,697 | Actual |
| 2025 | $160,369 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $165,116 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $170,003 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Mount Vernon metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $135,334 (2019) to $160,369 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $170,003 by 2027 — a total increase of $34,669 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Mount Vernon 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) | $95,767 – $137,110 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $137,110 – $165,116 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $165,116 – $203,684 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $203,684 – $249,975 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Mount Vernon
The local job market currently employs around 18 optometrists, reflecting a well-established presence in Mount Vernon. However, the cost of living index at 115.9 suggests that while salaries are competitive, take-home purchasing power may be impacted by higher costs associated with living in this region. While private optometry practices often yield higher pay, particularly for those with ownership stakes, retail chains like Visionworks or Walmart Vision may offer steadier positions without the risk associated with private practice ownership. The disparity in earnings can also be attributed to factors such as prior residency training, which typically commands higher wages, and workplace settings that capitalize on patient referrals from surgery partners. For those seeking to maximize their pay, pursuing advanced training or certifications could unlock more lucrative opportunities within the Mount Vernon market.
More salary data for Mount Vernon, 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 $160,369 for optometristsin the Mount Vernon 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 Mount Vernon 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