Optometrist Salary in Troy, NY: $172,219 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Troy, NY earns a median $172,219/year (≈ $82.80/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Troy's price level (16% above national, BEA RPP 115.9), that paycheck buys what $148,593 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.6% above the New York state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the optometrist salary in Troy, NY, is projected to reach a median of $172,219, significantly higher than the national median of $140,612. This competitive wage reflects the strong demand for optometry services in the area, bolstered by the increasing trend of OD/MD model surgical co-management, which allows for additional revenue through collaborative care with ophthalmology practices. The salary range for optometrists in Troy varies widely, extending from $99,887 at the 10th percentile to $255,438 at the 90th percentile, indicating opportunities for both entry-level practitioners and those with extensive experience. The data is derived from state-level estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional economic factors in Troy’s evolving job market.
About the Troy Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($150,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $99,887 | $48.02 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $136,064 | $65.41 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $172,219 | $82.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $209,271 | $100.61 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $255,438 | $122.81 |
Median Salary Position
22.48% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Troy
In Troy, NY, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $155,551 (2026 est.). At $172,219, the local median is 22.48% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Troy: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Troy Optometrist Pay Compares
Troy median: $172,219/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Troy Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New York Average | $166,235 | +3.60% more |
| National Average | $140,612 | +22.48% more |
Optometrists in Troy, NY earn a median of $172,219 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.48% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 3.60% above the New York state average of $166,235.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Troy has a cost of living 15.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Troy, NY has a cost-of-living index of 115.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $172,219 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $148,593 — a 13.72% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$141,156
2025 BLS Actual
$167,268
2026 Current Est.
$172,219
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Troy (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $141,156 | Actual |
| 2020 | $144,585 | Actual |
| 2021 | $152,240 | Actual |
| 2022 | $153,820 | Actual |
| 2023 | $161,499 | Actual |
| 2024 | $175,519 | Actual |
| 2025 | $167,268 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $172,219 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $177,317 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Troy metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $141,156 (2019) to $167,268 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $177,317 by 2027 — a total increase of $36,161 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Troy 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) | $99,887 – $136,064 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $136,064 – $172,219 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $172,219 – $209,271 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $209,271 – $255,438 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Troy
The local job market for optometrists is relatively small, with only 11 professionals currently employed in the area, yet it remains strong, with a projected annual growth rate of 2.96%. The cost of living index in Troy stands at 115.9, which means that while the salaries are higher in comparison to many other regions, the purchasing power could be somewhat diminished by the increased living expenses. Among the employers, those in ophthalmology practices typically offer the highest pay due to shared revenue models, while retail chains may lag behind in terms of compensation but often provide greater job security. The significant pay range can be influenced by factors such as practice ownership, specialty training in ocular diseases, and the shift in employment dynamics following the acquisition of private practices by private equity firms. For those looking to maximize their optometrist pay in Troy, pursuing additional certification or residency training, particularly in specialized areas like glaucoma, could provide a substantial advantage in negotiations for higher salaries.
More salary data for Troy, 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 $167,268 for optometristsin the Troy 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 Troy 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