Optometrist Salary in Bethlehem, PA: $158,878 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Bethlehem, PA earns a median $158,878/year (≈ $76.39/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Bethlehem's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.4), that paycheck buys what $163,119 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 15.0% above the Pennsylvania state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, the optometrist salary is projected to reach a median annual compensation of $158,878 in 2026, markedly higher than the national median of $140,612. The salary range spans from $92,149 at the 10th percentile to $231,303 at the 90th percentile, indicating significant earning potential for those at the top of the profession. These figures represent local estimates derived from BLS state-level data and account for regional cost adjustments. With the recent expansion of the optometry scope of practice to include treatments such as glaucoma management and certain surgical procedures, optometrists can further enhance their earning opportunities through surgical co-management revenue, particularly in collaborative settings with ophthalmologists. This growing demand positions Bethlehem as a promising market for optometry professionals looking to leverage specialized skills for higher income.
About the Bethlehem Market
Salary estimated from Pennsylvania average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $92,149 | $44.30 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $126,393 | $60.77 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $158,878 | $76.39 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $190,451 | $91.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $231,303 | $111.21 |
Median Salary Position
12.99% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bethlehem
In Bethlehem, PA, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $139,154 (2026 est.). At $158,878, the local median is 12.99% above the national median of $140,612.
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At 40 hours/week in Bethlehem: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Bethlehem Optometrist Pay Compares
Bethlehem median: $158,878/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bethlehem Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania Average | $138,154 | +15.00% more |
| National Average | $140,612 | +12.99% more |
Optometrists in Bethlehem, PA earn a median of $158,878 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.99% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 15.00% above the Pennsylvania state average of $138,154.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bethlehem has a cost of living 2.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bethlehem, PA has a cost-of-living index of 97.4 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $158,878 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $163,119 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.67% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$130,221
2025 BLS Actual
$154,310
2026 Current Est.
$158,878
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Bethlehem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $130,221 | Actual |
| 2020 | $133,384 | Actual |
| 2021 | $140,446 | Actual |
| 2022 | $141,904 | Actual |
| 2023 | $148,988 | Actual |
| 2024 | $133,346 | Actual |
| 2025 | $154,310 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $158,878 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $163,580 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bethlehem metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $130,221 (2019) to $154,310 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $163,580 by 2027 — a total increase of $33,359 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bethlehem 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) | $92,149 – $126,393 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $126,393 – $158,878 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $158,878 – $190,451 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $190,451 – $231,303 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Bethlehem
The local job market features a tight-knit community of 14 employed optometrists, signaling stable demand for vision care in Bethlehem. Considering the cost-of-living index stands at 97.4, the affordability of living in this area enhances the value of optometrist pay in Bethlehem PA, allowing practitioners to enjoy a decent quality of life. Among potential employers, private optometry practices, especially those following the OD/MD model, often offer the highest compensation due to the revenue-sharing opportunities associated with surgical referrals. Conversely, retail optical chains may offer lower starting salaries but can provide more consistent patient flow for entry-level positions. Factors contributing to the disparity in pay include the nuances of practice ownership, the impact of residency training on earning potential, and employment conditions following private practices becoming PE-owned entities. To maximize earnings, optometrists in Bethlehem might consider enhancing their qualifications through residencies, networking with local ophthalmologists for co-management opportunities, and keeping abreast of changing practice regulations.
More salary data for Bethlehem, PA:
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 $154,310 for optometristsin the Bethlehem 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 Bethlehem 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