Optometrist Salary in Rochester, NY: $164,098 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Rochester, NY earns a median $164,098/year (≈ $78.89/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Rochester's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.0), that paycheck buys what $169,112 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.3% below the New York state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Rochester, NY, optometrists are seeing promising compensation figures, with a projected median annual salary of $164,098 for 2026. This stands out significantly above the national median of $140,612, providing a competitive edge for practitioners in the region. The salary range for optometrists in Rochester varies considerably, from $101,961 at the lower end to $193,246 at the high end, reflecting various factors such as practice type, experience, and specialized training. These projections are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, indicating a healthy local market where the scope of practice allows for advanced patient care management, including glaucoma treatment and the prescription of oral medications. Whether in private practice or other healthcare settings, Rochester presents a robust environment for optometrists to thrive.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $101,961 | $49.02 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $130,327 | $62.66 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $164,098 | $78.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $172,808 | $83.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $193,246 | $92.91 |
Median Salary Position
16.70% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Rochester
In Rochester, NY, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $91,285 (2026 est.). At $164,098, the local median is 16.7% above the national median of $140,612.
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At 40 hours/week in Rochester: You'd be above the median
How Rochester Optometrist Pay Compares
Rochester median: $164,098/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Rochester Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New York Average | $166,259 | -1.30% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | +16.70% more |
Optometrists in Rochester, NY earn a median of $164,098 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.70% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 1.30% below the New York state average of $166,259.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Rochester has a cost of living 2.97% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Rochester, NY has a cost-of-living index of 97.035 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $164,098 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $169,112 in an average-cost city — an effective 3.06% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$114,990
2025 BLS Actual
$159,380
2026 Current Est.
$164,098
2019–2027 Growth
+46.9%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Rochester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $114,990 | Actual |
| 2020 | $108,000 | Actual |
| 2021 | $128,690 | Actual |
| 2022 | $129,570 | Actual |
| 2023 | $139,320 | Actual |
| 2024 | $139,990 | Actual |
| 2025 | $159,380 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $164,098 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $168,955 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Rochester metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 38.6% from $114,990 (2019) to $159,380 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $168,955 by 2027 — a total increase of $53,965 (46.93%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rochester 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) | $101,961 – $130,327 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $130,327 – $164,098 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $164,098 – $172,808 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $172,808 – $193,246 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Rochester
The optometrist job market in Rochester currently employs around 120 professionals, demonstrating a solid local demand for eye care providers. With a cost of living index of 97.035, the purchasing power for optometrists remains quite favorable, allowing them to enjoy a quality lifestyle without the burden of excessive living costs. Employers differ in their pay scales across sectors—private optometry practices and ophthalmology groups typically offer higher salaries compared to retail optical chains. The disparity in compensation often hinges on factors such as ownership equity, the involvement in surgical collaborative practices, and advanced residency training in ocular disease. For those looking to maximize their earnings in Rochester, aligning with ophthalmology practices or seeking roles with private equity-owned groups can offer greater financial rewards. Additionally, pursuing residency training can significantly impact long-term salary potential, particularly as optometry’s scope of practice continues to expand.
More salary data for Rochester, 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 $159,380 for optometristsin the Rochester 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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