Optometrist Salary in Plattsburgh, NY: $153,514 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Plattsburgh, NY earns a median $153,514/year (≈ $73.80/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Plattsburgh's price level (16% above national, BEA RPP 115.9), that paycheck buys what $132,454 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.6% below the New York state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those considering a career in optometry in Plattsburgh, NY, the financial outlook appears promising. With a projected median annual compensation of $153,514 for 2026, local optometrists enjoy salaries that are competitively higher than the national median of $140,612. The compensation spectrum varies widely, ranging from $92,092 at the lower end to $212,439 for more experienced or specialized practitioners. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, and adjusted for regional cost indices. Notably, the revenue associated with surgical co-management in the OD/MD model significantly boosts earnings potential, particularly for those who collaborate with ophthalmologists.
About the Plattsburgh Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($150,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $92,092 | $44.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $127,514 | $61.30 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $153,514 | $73.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $183,132 | $88.04 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $212,439 | $102.14 |
Median Salary Position
9.18% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Plattsburgh
In Plattsburgh, NY, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $120,347 (2026 est.). At $153,514, the local median is 9.18% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Plattsburgh: You'd be above the median
How Plattsburgh Optometrist Pay Compares
Plattsburgh median: $153,514/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Plattsburgh Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New York Average | $166,141 | -7.60% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | +9.18% more |
Optometrists in Plattsburgh, NY earn a median of $153,514 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.18% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 7.60% below the New York state average of $166,141.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Plattsburgh has a cost of living 15.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Plattsburgh, NY has a cost-of-living index of 115.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $153,514 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $132,454 — a 13.72% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$125,825
2025 BLS Actual
$149,101
2026 Current Est.
$153,514
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Plattsburgh (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $125,825 | Actual |
| 2020 | $128,882 | Actual |
| 2021 | $135,705 | Actual |
| 2022 | $137,114 | Actual |
| 2023 | $143,959 | Actual |
| 2024 | $160,562 | Actual |
| 2025 | $149,101 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $153,514 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $158,058 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Plattsburgh metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $125,825 (2019) to $149,101 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $158,058 by 2027 — a total increase of $32,233 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Plattsburgh 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) | $92,092 – $127,514 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $127,514 – $153,514 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $153,514 – $183,132 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $183,132 – $212,439 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Plattsburgh
In Plattsburgh, the job market for optometrists remains relatively stable, with just four professionals currently practicing in the area. The cost of living index, sitting at 115.9, surpasses the national average, indicating that while salaries are robust, they must be weighed against higher living expenses. Among local employers, private optometry practices and ophthalmology centers are often more lucrative compared to retail optical chains. Factors such as ownership stakes, advanced training, and employment agreements from practices acquired by private equity can contribute to salary discrepancies. To maximize earnings, aspiring optometrists should consider pursuing residency training, particularly in ocular disease, as this specialty often commands higher salaries and positions within health systems. Building a solid professional network and offering expanded services, such as glaucoma management or oral medications, can further enhance earning potential in this evolving field.
More salary data for Plattsburgh, 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 $149,101 for optometristsin the Plattsburgh 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 Plattsburgh 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