Optometrist Salary in New Rochelle, NY: $166,986 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in New Rochelle, NY earns a median $166,986/year (≈ $80.28/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in New Rochelle's price level (16% above national, BEA RPP 115.9), that paycheck buys what $144,078 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.5% above the New York state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With an eye on revenue from the OD/MD model surgical co-management, the projected median annual salary for optometrists in New Rochelle, NY, is estimated at $166,986 for 2026, surpassing the national median of $140,612 by 18.76%. The salary range reflects a broad scope, with entry-level positions starting at $96,851 (P10) and top earners potentially making as much as $239,901 (P90). These figures are drawn from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local economic factors. In New Rochelle's competitive job market, skillful optometrists who can integrate surgical co-management options may further enhance their earning potential.
About the New Rochelle Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($150,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $96,851 | $46.56 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $137,284 | $66.00 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $166,986 | $80.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $198,247 | $95.31 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $239,901 | $115.34 |
Median Salary Position
18.76% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in New Rochelle
In New Rochelle, NY, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $143,050 (2026 est.). At $166,986, the local median is 18.76% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in New Rochelle: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How New Rochelle Optometrist Pay Compares
New Rochelle median: $166,986/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | New Rochelle Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New York Average | $166,155 | +0.50% more |
| National Average | $140,612 | +18.76% more |
Optometrists in New Rochelle, NY earn a median of $166,986 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.76% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 0.50% above the New York state average of $166,155.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
New Rochelle has a cost of living 15.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
New Rochelle, NY has a cost-of-living index of 115.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $166,986 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $144,078 — a 13.72% reduction.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$136,866
2025 BLS Actual
$162,185
2026 Current Est.
$166,986
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in New Rochelle (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $136,866 | Actual |
| 2020 | $140,191 | Actual |
| 2021 | $147,614 | Actual |
| 2022 | $149,146 | Actual |
| 2023 | $156,592 | Actual |
| 2024 | $174,652 | Actual |
| 2025 | $162,185 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $166,986 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $171,928 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the New Rochelle metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $136,866 (2019) to $162,185 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $171,928 by 2027 — a total increase of $35,062 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the New Rochelle 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) | $96,851 – $137,284 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $137,284 – $166,986 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $166,986 – $198,247 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $198,247 – $239,901 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in New Rochelle
The local job market for optometrists is solid, evidenced by approximately 20 professionals working in the area. However, the cost of living in New Rochelle, with a cost-of-living index of 115.9, means that these salaries must be viewed in the context of purchasing power. Employers such as private optometry offices, specialty ophthalmology practices, and retail optical chains vary significantly in compensation levels. Those affiliated with the OD/MD surgical co-management model typically reap higher rewards due to shared revenue streams from surgical referrals. Practitioners with residency training face less pay disparity as they command a premium for specialized skills. To maximize earnings, optometrists should carefully consider practice settings, seek opportunities in rapidly growing ophthalmologic facilities, and explore strategies that establish a balance between private practice equity and the various benefits offered by corporate retail chains.
More salary data for New Rochelle, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make in New Rochelle, NY in 2026?
Is New Rochelle, NY a good place to work as a optometrist?
Can optometrists make $100K in New Rochelle?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted optometrist salary in New Rochelle?
How much does a optometrist make per hour in New Rochelle?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in New York
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 $162,185 for optometristsin the New Rochelle 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 New Rochelle 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