Optometrist Salary in Wilkes-Barre, PA: $136,004 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Wilkes-Barre, PA earns a median $136,004/year (≈ $65.39/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Wilkes-Barre's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.4), that paycheck buys what $139,634 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.6% below the Pennsylvania state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, optometrists in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $136,004, reflecting the area's competitive pay landscape. Considering the full salary range, earnings can span from $78,883 at the lower end to $194,278 for those at the peak of the market. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS estimates, adjusted for local cost-of-living conditions, showcasing the relatively favorable financial environment for optometrists in the region. Additionally, the co-management revenue model used in surgical practices significantly enhances compensation, as optometrists work alongside ophthalmologists—creating a synergistic effect that not only supports diverse patient care but also contributes to income potential in Wilkes-Barre.
About the Wilkes-Barre Market
Salary estimated from Pennsylvania average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,883 | $37.92 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $108,225 | $52.04 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $136,004 | $65.39 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $161,918 | $77.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $194,278 | $93.41 |
Median Salary Position
3.28% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Wilkes-Barre
In Wilkes-Barre, PA, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $115,395 (2026 est.). At $136,004, the local median is 3.28% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Wilkes-Barre: You'd be above the median
How Wilkes-Barre Optometrist Pay Compares
Wilkes-Barre median: $136,004/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Wilkes-Barre Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania Average | $138,215 | -1.60% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -3.28% less |
Optometrists in Wilkes-Barre, PA earn a median of $136,004 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.28% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 1.60% below the Pennsylvania state average of $138,215.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Wilkes-Barre 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.
Wilkes-Barre, PA has a cost-of-living index of 97.4 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $136,004 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $139,634 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.67% boost.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$111,473
2025 BLS Actual
$132,094
2026 Current Est.
$136,004
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Wilkes-Barre (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $111,473 | Actual |
| 2020 | $114,181 | Actual |
| 2021 | $120,226 | Actual |
| 2022 | $121,474 | Actual |
| 2023 | $127,538 | Actual |
| 2024 | $129,397 | Actual |
| 2025 | $132,094 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $136,004 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $140,030 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Wilkes-Barre metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $111,473 (2019) to $132,094 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $140,030 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,557 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wilkes-Barre 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) | $78,883 – $108,225 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $108,225 – $136,004 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $136,004 – $161,918 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $161,918 – $194,278 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Wilkes-Barre
The job market for optometrists in Wilkes-Barre includes a modest cohort of 11 professionals, indicating a stable yet constrained workforce. With a cost-of-living index of 97.4, living expenses are slightly below the national average, supporting a more favorable purchasing power for optometrists in the area. Typically, the highest salaries in Wilkes-Barre are found within ophthalmology practices that leverage the OD/MD model, offering enhanced share in surgical referral revenue. Factors such as practice ownership equity, residency training in ocular disease, and differences between private practices versus retail chains further influence the range of compensation. To maximize earnings, optometrists should consider obtaining residency training, building relationships with local ophthalmologists, and aligning with practices that have demonstrated profitability and growth in patient referrals. Understanding these dynamics can better position them for success in Wilkes-Barre's evolving healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Wilkes-Barre, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make in Wilkes-Barre, PA in 2026?
Is Wilkes-Barre, PA a good place to work as a optometrist?
Can optometrists make $100K in Wilkes-Barre?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted optometrist salary in Wilkes-Barre?
How much does a optometrist make per hour in Wilkes-Barre?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Pennsylvania
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 $132,094 for optometristsin the Wilkes-Barre 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 Wilkes-Barre 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