Optometrist Salary in Providence, RI: $144,051 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Providence, RI earns a median $144,051/year (≈ $69.25/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Providence's price level (2% above national, BEA RPP 101.8), that paycheck buys what $141,541 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.9% above the Rhode Island state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, optometrists in Providence, Rhode Island, can expect a median annual salary of $144,051, outpacing the national median of $140,612 by approximately 2.45%. The salary range for this profession is significant, with entry-level positions earning around $79,495 and experienced optometrists making as much as $222,023, highlighting the variability in earnings based on factors like practice setting and expertise. These projections come from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data and reflect a professional landscape that has evolved with expanded scope of practice, including the management of glaucoma, use of oral medications, and performance of select laser procedures. Thus, Providence presents a competitive environment for optometrists, as they capitalize on these diverse opportunities to enhance their earnings.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,495 | $38.22 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $125,961 | $60.56 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $144,051 | $69.25 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $176,587 | $84.90 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $222,023 | $106.74 |
Median Salary Position
2.45% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Providence
In Providence, RI, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $142,528 (2026 est.). At $144,051, the local median is 2.45% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Providence: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Providence Optometrist Pay Compares
Providence median: $144,051/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Providence Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island Average | $141,365 | +1.90% more |
| National Average | $140,612 | +2.45% more |
Optometrists in Providence, RI earn a median of $144,051 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.45% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 1.90% above the Rhode Island state average of $141,365.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Providence has a cost of living 1.77% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Providence, RI has a cost-of-living index of 101.773 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $144,051 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $141,541 — a 1.74% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$101,670
2025 BLS Actual
$139,910
2026 Current Est.
$144,051
2019–2027 Growth
+45.9%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Providence (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 | $127,340 | Actual |
| 2022 | $128,661 | Actual |
| 2023 | $135,110 | Actual |
| 2024 | $140,450 | Actual |
| 2025 | $139,910 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $144,051 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $148,315 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Providence metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 37.6% from $101,670 (2019) to $139,910 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $148,315 by 2027 — a total increase of $46,645 (45.88%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Providence 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) | $79,495 – $125,961 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $125,961 – $144,051 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $144,051 – $176,587 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $176,587 – $222,023 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Providence
The local job market in Providence, with 310 optometrists currently employed, offers promising prospects despite a cost-of-living index slightly above the national average at 101.773. This means that while optometrist pay in Providence RI is relatively strong, professionals must strategically account for living expenses when considering their take-home income. Among the highest-paying employers are private optometry practices that have retained their independence, allowing them to generate more practice equity compared to retail optical chains like LensCrafters or Walmart Vision. The remuneration disparities stem from various factors, including ownership models, collaborations in OD/MD settings, and the impact of residency training on advanced practice capabilities. Those looking to maximize their income in this market should focus on residency training in ocular disease, explore opportunities within integrated ophthalmology practices, and position themselves in roles that allow for participation in surgical referral revenue streams.
More salary data for Providence, 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 $139,910 for optometristsin the Providence 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