Optometrist Salary

Senior Optometrist Salary in Freeport, NY: $223,258 (2026)

Quick Answer:The top tier of optometrists working in Freeport, NY — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $223,258/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1041. Strip back Freeport's price premium (BEA RPP 115.9, 16% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $192,630 in average-cost America. The 42% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.

$223,258
Top 10% Earn
$107.34/hr
Top Hourly Rate
$186,466
75th Percentile
$223,258
90th Percentile

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Optometrist Senior Salary in Freeport, NY — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Freeport, NY optometrist senior salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In Freeport, New York, an experienced optometrist has significant earning potential, particularly for those who reach the higher tiers of compensation. With a median annual salary expected to be $157,524 in 2026, seasoned professionals have the opportunity to command top salaries, with the 90th percentile earning as much as $223,258. This figure notably eclipses the national top earners—representing a compelling reason for experienced optometrists to pursue career advancement in this region. The distinct gap between the median and the highest compensation levels illustrates the experience premium that exists in the market; achieving top optometrist salary levels in Freeport often requires a combination of specialized training, business acumen, and effective patient care strategies.

About the Freeport Market

Salary estimated from New York average ($150,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Freeport

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for optometrists in Freeport. The median salary is $157,524, compared to the national median of $140,612.$82.2K$120.3K$158.3K$196.4K$234.4K$91.4K10th Pctl$127.7K25th Pctl$157.5KMedian$186.5K75th Pctl$223.3K90th PctlUS Median$140.6K

Experienced optometrists at the top of the pay scale in Freeport earn between $186,466 and $223,258 per year (2026 est.). This $131,894 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Freeport median of $157,524 sits 12.03% above the US median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of optometrist pay in the Freeport metro area.

Top OD Salary Comparison

LevelFreeportNational
Median (P50)$157,524$140,612
75th Percentile$186,466$170,008
90th Percentile (Top 10%)$223,258$208,165

In Freeport, experienced optometrists (P90) earn 41.73% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.

What Drives Top Optometrist Pay in Freeport

1

Advanced Certifications in New York

NY optometrists with additional specialty certifications within the optometry field earn significantly above the $157,524 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Freeport employers.

2

Specialty Focus

Optometrists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the optometry field in Freeport command premium compensation, often reaching the $186,466–$223,258 range.

3

Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience

Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Freeport metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced optometrists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.

4

Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships

Long-tenured optometrists in Freeport with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.

5

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 Freeport

Clinical Optometrist

0-5 years
$91,364 – $157,524

Senior/Lead Optometrist

5-10 years
$157,524 – $186,466

Optometrist Department Manager

10+ years
$186,466+

Educator / Specialty Leadership

Advanced
Varies by role

Freeport ranks #25 of 39 New York cities for top earner optometrist salary (90th percentile: $223,258).

Top 10% optometrist compensation in Freeport ($223,258) is 4.67% above the New York average P90 ($213,301).

2019 BLS Actual

$208,174

2025 BLS Actual

$216,840

2026 Current Est.

$223,258

2019–2027 Growth

+10.4%

Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Freeport (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for optometrists in Freeport. Baseline $208,174 in 2025, projected to $229,867 by 2027.$198.8K$210.2K$221.5K$232.9K$244.3K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$208.2K$210.0K$206.3K$205.3K$218.9K$237.8K$216.8K$223.3K$229.9K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$208,174Actual
2020$210,008Actual
2021$206,340Actual
2022$205,311Actual
2023$218,899Actual
2024$237,783Actual
2025$216,840Actual
2026(current)$223,258Estimated
2027$229,867Projected

Top-earning optometrists (90th percentile) in Freeport saw their compensation grow 4.2% from $208,174 in 2019 to $216,840 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 $229,867 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Freeport metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Freeport

When analyzing senior optometrist pay in NY, it becomes clear that specialization can significantly influence earnings. Those who are residency-trained in areas such as ocular diseases, pediatric optometry, or low vision rehabilitation often see compensation that reflects their advanced skills. Employer type also plays a critical role; optometrists working in private practices might earn differently than their counterparts in retail chains or ophthalmology settings due to factors like patient volume and operating costs. Leadership roles, such as becoming an associate OD or partnering in an OD/MD practice, present additional avenues for financial growth. Credentials from accredited institutions like ACOE, especially when combined with certifications in ocular disease and pharmacology, further enhance earning potential. Furthermore, non-salary benefits, such as equity stakes in practices and revenue-sharing arrangements with ophthalmologists, can greatly augment overall compensation, reinforcing the lucrative possibilities available for senior optometrists in Freeport.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do experienced optometrists make in Freeport in 2026?

Top-earning optometrists in Freeport (90th percentile) make $223,258/year, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 2.96% annual growth). This is $65,734 more than the area median of $157,524 — representing a significant experience premium. Senior optometrists typically reach this level after 10+ years of clinical experience combined with specialty certifications, strong patient relationships, and working at high-production or specialty practices.

What drives higher optometrist pay in Freeport?

Higher optometrist pay in Freeport is driven by several key factors: years of clinical experience (10+ years for top tier), specializations, expanded-function certifications that allow additional procedures, and employment at high-production practices or large organizations. Geographic factors within the metro area also matter — practices in affluent neighborhoods or underserved areas often pay premium rates. Building a loyal patient base and strong clinical reputation further supports salary negotiation.

What certifications boost optometrist salary in Freeport?

The most impactful salary-boosting certifications for optometrists in Freeport include specialty certifications, advanced treatment certifications, and expanded-function credentials. These certifications can increase earnings well above the median of $157,524, especially when combined with experience at specialty practices.

Can experienced optometrists make six figures in Freeport?

Yes — the 90th percentile salary in Freeport is $223,258, well above $100K. Optometrists with 10+ years of experience, advanced certifications, and strong negotiation skills are most likely to reach this level. Working at multiple practices, taking on mentoring responsibilities, or specializing in high-demand areas can further push earnings above six figures.

How much does optometrist salary increase over time in Freeport?

In Freeport, the gap between entry level ($91,364) and top earners ($223,258) is $131,894, reflecting significant earning potential over a career. Most salary growth occurs in the first 5–10 years through accumulated clinical experience and additional credentials. After year 10, growth slows unless you pursue management roles, teaching positions, or transition into consulting. Continuous professional development is essential for maximizing long-term earnings.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in New York

AP

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.

Clinically reviewed by Rajiv Kumar, ODData verified by Sofia Martinez, OD

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 $216,840 for optometrists in the Freeport 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 Freeport is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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