Senior Optometrist Salary in Binghamton, NY: $230,828 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of optometrists working in Binghamton, NY — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $230,828/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1041. Strip back Binghamton's price premium (BEA RPP 115.9, 16% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $199,161 in average-cost America. The 40% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Senior optometrists in Binghamton, NY, have the potential to earn a significant income, particularly at the upper end of the pay scale. For those who achieve the top optometrist salary in Binghamton, which can reach as high as $230,828 in 2026, the disparity between the median annual salary of $164,450 and the earnings of high-level professionals is quite pronounced. This experience premium highlights the value of specialization and advanced credentials, making it crucial for seasoned optometrists to pursue higher qualifications and refine their skills to reach this level. Navigating the pathways to these salaries often involves years of dedication, acquiring advanced residencies, and building a robust professional network.
About the Binghamton Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($150,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Binghamton
Experienced optometrists at the top of the pay scale in Binghamton earn between $193,296 and $230,828 per year (2026 est.). This $135,447 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Binghamton median of $164,450 sits 16.95% above the US median.
Top OD Salary Comparison
| Level | Binghamton | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $164,450 | $140,612 |
| 75th Percentile | $193,296 | $170,008 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $230,828 | $208,165 |
In Binghamton, experienced optometrists (P90) earn 40.36% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Optometrist Pay in Binghamton
Advanced Certifications in New York
NY optometrists with additional specialty certifications within the optometry field earn significantly above the $164,450 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Binghamton employers.
Specialty Focus
Optometrists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the optometry field in Binghamton command premium compensation, often reaching the $193,296–$230,828 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Binghamton metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced optometrists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured optometrists in Binghamton with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Optometrists in New York who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Optometrist Career & Wage Growth Path in Binghamton
Clinical Optometrist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Optometrist
5-10 yearsOptometrist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBinghamton ranks #18 of 39 New York cities for top earner optometrist salary (90th percentile: $230,828).
Top 10% optometrist compensation in Binghamton ($230,828) is 8.22% above the New York average P90 ($213,301).
2019 BLS Actual
$215,232
2025 BLS Actual
$224,192
2026 Current Est.
$230,828
2019–2027 Growth
+10.4%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Binghamton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $215,232 | Actual |
| 2020 | $217,128 | Actual |
| 2021 | $213,336 | Actual |
| 2022 | $212,272 | Actual |
| 2023 | $226,321 | Actual |
| 2024 | $167,830 | Actual |
| 2025 | $224,192 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $230,828 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $237,661 | Projected |
Top-earning optometrists (90th percentile) in Binghamton saw their compensation grow 4.2% from $215,232 in 2019 to $224,192 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.96% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $237,661 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Binghamton 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.
Maximizing Your Optometrist Earnings in Binghamton
To further elevate their earning potential, experienced optometrists in Binghamton can consider specializing in areas such as ocular disease, pediatric optometry, and low vision rehabilitation, all of which command premium pay. Compensation can also vary significantly based on the type of employer; private practices may afford different financial opportunities compared to retail optical chains like LensCrafters or ophthalmology partnerships. Leadership roles, such as practice ownership or becoming an associate OD, can also offer pathways to increased revenue, alongside the potential for ownership equity. Advanced credentials, including a residency in ocular disease or certifications in glaucoma management and oral pharmaceuticals, can further boost income prospects. Additionally, factors such as the move toward private equity-owned practices or strategic employment agreements in the evolving vision care market can shape an experienced optometrist's financial success in NY.
More salary data for Binghamton, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced optometrists make in Binghamton in 2026?
What drives higher optometrist pay in Binghamton?
What certifications boost optometrist salary in Binghamton?
Can experienced optometrists make six figures in Binghamton?
How much does optometrist salary increase over time in Binghamton?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $224,192 for optometrists in the Binghamton metro area. A 2.96% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Binghamton 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