Optometrist Salary in Bristol, RI: $133,777 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Bristol, RI earns a median $133,777/year (≈ $64.32/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Bristol's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.5), that paycheck buys what $133,111 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.3% below the Rhode Island state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the optometrist salary in Bristol, Rhode Island, is projected to be $133,777 annually, which reflects a competitive landscape compared to the national median of $140,612. The pay scale ranges from $77,591 at the 10th percentile to $190,982 at the 90th percentile, with regional cost adjustments providing a clear picture of local earnings potential. This salary structure is particularly influenced by the evolving OD/MD model that allows optometrists to engage in surgical co-management, thereby supplementing their income through surgical referral revenue sharing. With healthcare continuously adjusting in response to patient needs, this is a favorable time for optometry professionals operating in Bristol, as they can capitalize on new revenue streams while providing comprehensive care.
About the Bristol Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,591 | $37.30 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $106,907 | $51.40 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $133,777 | $64.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $152,987 | $73.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $190,982 | $91.82 |
Median Salary Position
4.86% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bristol
In Bristol, RI, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $113,391 (2026 est.). At $133,777, the local median is 4.86% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Bristol: You'd be above the median
How Bristol Optometrist Pay Compares
Bristol median: $133,777/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bristol Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island Average | $141,264 | -5.30% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -4.86% less |
Optometrists in Bristol, RI earn a median of $133,777 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.86% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 5.30% below the Rhode Island state average of $141,264.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bristol has a cost of living 0.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bristol, RI has a cost-of-living index of 100.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $133,777 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $133,111 — a 0.5% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$109,647
2025 BLS Actual
$129,931
2026 Current Est.
$133,777
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Bristol (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $109,647 | Actual |
| 2020 | $112,311 | Actual |
| 2021 | $118,257 | Actual |
| 2022 | $119,485 | Actual |
| 2023 | $125,450 | Actual |
| 2024 | $131,292 | Actual |
| 2025 | $129,931 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $133,777 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $137,737 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bristol metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $109,647 (2019) to $129,931 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $137,737 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,090 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bristol 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) | $77,591 – $106,907 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $106,907 – $133,777 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $133,777 – $152,987 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $152,987 – $190,982 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Bristol
Analyzing the job market in Bristol reveals an intimate setting, with only five employed optometrists. The area's cost of living, slightly above the national average with a CoL index of 100.5, becomes a significant factor in determining true take-home pay. Employers that typically offer higher wages include ophthalmology practices operating under the OD/MD model, as these settings tend to incorporate surgical revenues into compensation. The vast pay spread in Bristol can be attributed to various factors such as practice ownership equity, the collaboration with ophthalmologists, and the differences between retail optical chains and private practices. To optimize earnings in this specific market, pursuing residency training—particularly in ocular disease or through a VA pathway—can give candidates a notable edge. Those looking to improve their optometrist pay in Bristol, RI, should also consider the expanding scope of practice to include glaucoma treatment and the options for practicing in environments that leverage these advanced competencies.
More salary data for Bristol, RI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make in Bristol, RI in 2026?
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Can optometrists make $100K in Bristol?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted optometrist salary in Bristol?
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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 $129,931 for optometristsin the Bristol 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 Bristol 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