Optometrist Salary in Rome, NY: $159,588 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Rome, NY earns a median $159,588/year (≈ $76.73/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Rome's price level (16% above national, BEA RPP 115.9), that paycheck buys what $137,695 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.0% below the New York state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the expected median annual income for an optometrist salary in Rome, NY is projected to be $159,588, which is notably higher than the national median of $140,612. This occupation in Rome, which allows optometrists to engage in glaucoma management and prescribe oral medications, showcases a salary range between $94,691 (P10) and $230,146 (P90). Such figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and regional cost adjustments that reflect the local market conditions and practice expectations. This favorable salary structure is indicative of the demand for skilled optometrists in the area and signifies robust opportunities for those evaluating the landscape of optometrists' earnings in Rome.
About the Rome Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($150,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $94,691 | $45.53 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $131,908 | $63.41 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $159,588 | $76.73 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $185,333 | $89.10 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $230,146 | $110.65 |
Median Salary Position
13.50% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Rome
In Rome, NY, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $135,455 (2026 est.). At $159,588, the local median is 13.5% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Rome: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Rome Optometrist Pay Compares
Rome median: $159,588/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Rome Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New York Average | $166,238 | -4.00% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | +13.50% more |
Optometrists in Rome, NY earn a median of $159,588 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.50% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 4.00% below the New York state average of $166,238.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Rome has a cost of living 15.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Rome, NY has a cost-of-living index of 115.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $159,588 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $137,695 — a 13.72% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$130,803
2025 BLS Actual
$155,000
2026 Current Est.
$159,588
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Rome (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $130,803 | Actual |
| 2020 | $133,981 | Actual |
| 2021 | $141,074 | Actual |
| 2022 | $142,538 | Actual |
| 2023 | $149,654 | Actual |
| 2024 | $166,914 | Actual |
| 2025 | $155,000 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $159,588 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $164,312 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Rome metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $130,803 (2019) to $155,000 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $164,312 by 2027 — a total increase of $33,509 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rome 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) | $94,691 – $131,908 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $131,908 – $159,588 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $159,588 – $185,333 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $185,333 – $230,146 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Rome
The local job market for optometrists in Rome currently accommodates six practicing professionals, suggesting a relatively small yet potentially tight-knit community. The cost of living index stands at 115.9, indicating that while salaries may appear attractive, the increased expenses could affect overall purchasing power. Among employers in the region, private practices and ophthalmology group settings often offer the highest compensation, particularly for those with residency training or those involved in ODs working alongside MDs. Discrepancies in pay are generally driven by factors such as ownership status, the potential for surgical collaboration, and various employer practices that influence compensation packages. To maximize earnings within the optometrist pay in Rome, NY, pursuing advanced training, seeking roles in collaborative healthcare settings, or exploring private practice ownership may serve as effective strategies for gaining an edge in this competitive market.
More salary data for Rome, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make in Rome, NY in 2026?
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Can optometrists make $100K in Rome?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted optometrist salary in Rome?
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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 $155,000 for optometristsin the Rome 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 Rome 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