Optometrist Salary in Pawtucket, RI: $141,161 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Pawtucket, RI earns a median $141,161/year (≈ $67.86/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Pawtucket's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.5), that paycheck buys what $140,459 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.1% below the Rhode Island state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pawtucket, Rhode Island, the expected median annual salary for optometrists in 2026 is projected at $141,161, slightly above the national median of $140,612. This salary range reflects substantial variation, with entry-level positions starting around $81,874 and the upper echelon reaching as high as $215,289. Factors influencing these figures include the state's expanding scope of practice that allows optometrists to manage conditions like glaucoma, prescribe oral medications, and perform certain laser procedures. The opportunities for higher compensation in Pawtucket are bolstered not only by the demand for comprehensive eye care but also by local adjustments based on regional cost considerations.
About the Pawtucket Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,874 | $39.36 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $109,697 | $52.74 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $141,161 | $67.86 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $169,702 | $81.59 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $215,289 | $103.51 |
Median Salary Position
0.39% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pawtucket
In Pawtucket, RI, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $133,415 (2026 est.). At $141,161, the local median is 0.39% above the national median of $140,612.
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How Pawtucket Optometrist Pay Compares
Pawtucket median: $141,161/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Pawtucket Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island Average | $141,303 | -0.10% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | +0.39% more |
Optometrists in Pawtucket, RI earn a median of $141,161 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.39% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 0.10% below the Rhode Island state average of $141,303.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Pawtucket has a cost of living 0.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Pawtucket, RI has a cost-of-living index of 100.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $141,161 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $140,459 — a 0.5% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$115,700
2025 BLS Actual
$137,103
2026 Current Est.
$141,161
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Pawtucket (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $115,700 | Actual |
| 2020 | $118,511 | Actual |
| 2021 | $124,785 | Actual |
| 2022 | $126,080 | Actual |
| 2023 | $132,375 | Actual |
| 2024 | $138,539 | Actual |
| 2025 | $137,103 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $141,161 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $145,340 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pawtucket metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $115,700 (2019) to $137,103 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $145,340 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,640 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pawtucket 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) | $81,874 – $109,697 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $109,697 – $141,161 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $141,161 – $169,702 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $169,702 – $215,289 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Pawtucket
The local job market currently supports 16 optometrists, contributing to a competitive employability environment. The cost of living in Pawtucket, reflected in a cost-of-living index of 100.5, means that while salaries are relatively strong, the purchasing power might be slightly impacted. Among local employers, private optometry practices and certain ophthalmology groups tend to offer the highest salaries, particularly in models where optometrists collaborate closely with ophthalmologists. Variability in pay can stem from factors such as practice ownership equity, the presence of residency training, and the evolving nature of practice ownership driven by private equity acquisitions. To maximize pay potential in this market, aspiring and current optometrists should consider pursuing advanced training in ocular disease or seek out employment within high-paying specialties, positioning themselves advantageously in Pawtucket's evolving healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Pawtucket, RI:
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 $137,103 for optometristsin the Pawtucket 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 Pawtucket 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