Optometrist Salary in Reading, PA: $143,526 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Reading, PA earns a median $143,526/year (≈ $69.00/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Reading's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $147,873 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.9% above the Pennsylvania state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Reading, Pennsylvania, the 2026 projected optometrist salary is $143,526, representing a slight edge over the national median of $140,612. Optometrists in this area are expected to earn between $89,349 and $194,172, showcasing the significant variance dependent on practice settings and experience. These figures, derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS data, reflect the growing demand for optometric services amidst an expanding scope of practice that includes glaucoma management, oral medications, and certain laser procedures. This growth in responsibilities is likely contributing to increased compensation levels as Reading's job market for optometrists evolves.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $89,349 | $42.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $130,605 | $62.80 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $143,526 | $69.00 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $167,804 | $80.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $194,172 | $93.35 |
Median Salary Position
2.07% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Reading
In Reading, PA, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $104,823 (2026 est.). At $143,526, the local median is 2.07% above the national median of $140,612.
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At 40 hours/week in Reading: You'd be above the median
How Reading Optometrist Pay Compares
Reading median: $143,526/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Reading Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania Average | $138,139 | +3.90% more |
| National Average | $140,612 | +2.07% more |
Optometrists in Reading, PA earn a median of $143,526 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.07% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 3.90% above the Pennsylvania state average of $138,139.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Reading has a cost of living 2.94% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Reading, PA has a cost-of-living index of 97.06 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $143,526 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $147,873 in an average-cost city — an effective 3.03% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$117,638
2025 BLS Actual
$139,400
2026 Current Est.
$143,526
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Reading (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $117,638 | Actual |
| 2020 | $120,496 | Actual |
| 2021 | $99,180 | Actual |
| 2022 | $122,750 | Actual |
| 2023 | $139,530 | Actual |
| 2024 | $133,900 | Actual |
| 2025 | $139,400 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $143,526 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $147,775 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Reading metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $117,638 (2019) to $139,400 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $147,775 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,137 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Reading 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) | $89,349 – $130,605 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $130,605 – $143,526 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $143,526 – $167,804 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $167,804 – $194,172 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Reading
With 40 optometrists currently employed in Reading, the local job market remains relatively stable, but challenges persist, especially with a cost-of-living index of 97.06, indicating affordability concerns compared to the national average. Employers such as private optometry practices and ophthalmology groups generally offer higher salaries, driven by factors like ownership equity and the ability to share surgical referral revenues. Those seeking to maximize their optometrist pay in Reading, PA, should consider working in settings that value residency training, particularly in ocular disease. Additionally, embracing roles that integrate with ophthalmologists or those in denser urban markets may further enhance earning potential over time.
More salary data for Reading, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make in Reading, PA in 2026?
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Can optometrists make $100K in Reading?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted optometrist salary in Reading?
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Related Pages
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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 $139,400 for optometristsin the Reading 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, 5-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