Optometrist Salary in Philadelphia, PA: $158,538 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Philadelphia, PA earns a median $158,538/year (≈ $76.22/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Philadelphia's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 102.6), that paycheck buys what $154,590 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 14.7% above the Pennsylvania state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the optometrist salary in Philadelphia is projected to reach a median of $158,538, reflecting a robust job market for eye care professionals in the area. The salary range showcases diversity in opportunities, with earnings spanning from $94,291 at the lower end (P10) to an impressive $201,441 at the top (P90). These insights, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data, highlight how factors such as practice ownership and employment settings impact compensation. Optometrists working in private practices may enjoy higher earnings potential compared to those in retail chains, where salaries tend to be more standardized. As Philadelphia continues to prioritize healthcare investment, the demand for skilled optometrists is expected to grow, enhancing the appeal of this profession in the city.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $94,291 | $45.33 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $126,620 | $60.87 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $158,538 | $76.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $175,917 | $84.57 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $201,441 | $96.84 |
Median Salary Position
12.75% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Philadelphia
In Philadelphia, PA, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $107,150 (2026 est.). At $158,538, the local median is 12.75% above the national median of $140,612.
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How Philadelphia Optometrist Pay Compares
Philadelphia median: $158,538/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Philadelphia Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania Average | $138,220 | +14.70% more |
| National Average | $140,612 | +12.75% more |
Optometrists in Philadelphia, PA earn a median of $158,538 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.75% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 14.70% above the Pennsylvania state average of $138,220.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Philadelphia has a cost of living 2.55% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Philadelphia, PA has a cost-of-living index of 102.554 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $158,538 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $154,590 — a 2.49% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$134,640
2025 BLS Actual
$153,980
2026 Current Est.
$158,538
2019–2027 Growth
+21.2%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Philadelphia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $134,640 | Actual |
| 2020 | $140,600 | Actual |
| 2021 | $137,910 | Actual |
| 2022 | $137,690 | Actual |
| 2023 | $150,630 | Actual |
| 2024 | $139,550 | Actual |
| 2025 | $153,980 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $158,538 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $163,231 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Philadelphia metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 14.4% from $134,640 (2019) to $153,980 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $163,231 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,591 (21.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Philadelphia 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) | $94,291 – $126,620 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $126,620 – $158,538 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $158,538 – $175,917 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $175,917 – $201,441 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Philadelphia
Philadelphia's market for optometrists currently employs approximately 890 professionals, suggesting a strong demand for eye care services statewide. Coupled with a cost-of-living index of 102.554, this means take-home earnings can effectively support a comfortable lifestyle, although Philadelphia's housing and living expenses should be factored into salary negotiations. Private practice settings usually provide higher pay through ownership and equity opportunities, while retail optical chains and ophthalmology practices employ a mix of optometrists with varying compensation structures. The spread between lower and higher salaries in the city can often be attributed to factors such as additional training, specialization in ocular disease, and the ability to operate within evolving practice models. Maximizing pay in Philadelphia requires strategic choices—opting for residency training can increase earning potential and considering employment options in higher-paying environments like private practices or integrated health systems can lead to greater financial rewards.
More salary data for Philadelphia, 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 $153,980 for optometristsin the Philadelphia 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