Optometrist Salary in Rhode Island: $142,344 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Rhode Island's 17 metropolitan areas, the average median optometrist pay sits at $142,344/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 29-1041. Because Rhode Island sits at BEA RPP 100.5 (1% above the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $141,636 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Warwick ($142,747), Providence ($139,910), Pawtucket ($137,103).
The average median salary for optometrists in Rhode Island is projected to be $142,343 in 2026, slightly above the national median of $140,612, marking a difference of +1.2%. Salaries vary significantly across cities, with Warwick leading at $146,972 and Central Falls at the lower end with $130,388, creating a salary gap of $16,584. This disparity often stems from differences in demand, cost of living, and proximity to larger healthcare networks, which can influence compensation levels. In Rhode Island, optometrists must meet specific state licensing requirements and adhere to defined scope of practice laws, which can impact job opportunities and salary potential. Factors driving demand for optometrists include an aging population and increased awareness of eye health, contributing to a projected growth rate of 2.96% in the field. Key cities for optometrists in 2026 include Providence at $144,051, Pawtucket at $141,161, East Providence at $140,075, and West Warwick at $139,702. The total number of employed optometrists in the state stands at 439, reflecting a stable job market with a favorable outlook for those entering the profession.
Rhode Island Optometrist Salary Range
Overall salary range in Rhode Island: $77,591 (lowest entry-level) to $222,023 (highest top earner)
Rhode Island vs National Average
Rhode Island optometrists earn 1.23% more than the national median (+$1,732/year difference).
Rhode Island Optometrist Salary Distribution (2026)
Optometrist salaries in Rhode Island range from $79,952 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $216,013 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $142,344. The Rhode Island median is $1,732 above the US national median of $140,612. The average hourly rate is $68.43/hr. Approximately 439 optometrists are employed across 17 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$101,670
2025 BLS Actual
$138,251
2026 Current Est.
$142,344
2019–2027 Growth
+44.1%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Rhode Island (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $101,670 | Actual |
| 2020 | $104,040 | Actual |
| 2021 | $125,830 | Actual |
| 2022 | $127,136 | Actual |
| 2023 | $135,110 | Actual |
| 2024 | $138,962 | Actual |
| 2025 | $138,251 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $142,344 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $146,557 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Rhode Island metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 36.0% from $101,670 (2019) to $138,251 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $146,557 by 2027 — a total increase of $44,887 (44.15%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rhode Island 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.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in Rhode Island
Lowest Paying Cities in Rhode Island
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Central Falls | $130,388 |
| Westerly | $131,971 |
| Bristol | $133,777 |
| South Kingstown | $134,142 |
| Cumberland | $134,494 |
Best Value Cities for Optometrists in Rhode Island
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Rhode Island cities offer the most purchasing power for optometrists.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warwick | $146,972 | 100.5 | $146,241 |
| Providence | $144,051 | 101.773 | $141,541 |
| Pawtucket | $141,161 | 100.5 | $140,459 |
| East Providence | $140,075 | 100.5 | $139,378 |
| West Warwick | $139,702 | 100.5 | $139,007 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Rhode Island
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $79,952 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $142,344 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $216,013 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Rhode Island metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 17 Cities in Rhode Island
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Warwick | $146,972 |
| 2 | Providence | $144,051 |
| 3 | Pawtucket | $141,161 |
| 4 | East Providence | $140,075 |
| 5 | West Warwick | $139,702 |
| 6 | Coventry | $139,044 |
| 7 | Cranston | $138,229 |
| 8 | Johnston | $136,654 |
| 9 | Woonsocket | $136,599 |
| 10 | Newport | $135,854 |
| 11 | North Providence | $135,580 |
| 12 | North Kingstown | $135,536 |
| 13 | Cumberland | $134,494 |
| 14 | South Kingstown | $134,142 |
| 15 | Bristol | $133,777 |
| 16 | Westerly | $131,971 |
| 17 | Central Falls | $130,388 |
More Rhode Island Salary Data
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced optometrists.
Explore More Optometrist Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make in Rhode Island in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for optometrists in Rhode Island?
How does Rhode Island optometrist pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level optometrist salary in Rhode Island?
How many optometrists are employed in Rhode Island?
Which Rhode Island city offers the best value for optometrists?
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
Statewide 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. A 2.96% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 optometrist compensation across Rhode Island. State averages are employment-weighted across 17 metro areas — larger metro areas with more optometristscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
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