📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Optometrist Salary in New Jersey (2026)

New Jersey · 28.0% above national average · High Demand

Average
$160,755
per year
Median
$153,574
per year
Hourly
$77.29
per hour
🏛️ Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$94,391
25th Percentile — Junior$126,560
50th Percentile — Median$153,574
75th Percentile — Senior$198,940
90th Percentile — Top Earners$227,418
💡 Top-earning Optometrists in New Jersey make up to $227,418 per year. The job market in New Jersey is rated strong, with key industries including Pharmaceuticals, Finance, Technology.
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Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$137.3k
2021
$141.7k
2022
$146.3k
2023
$150.9k
2024
$155.8k
2025
$160.8k
2026
📈 Optometrist salaries in New Jersey have followed the national trend with 3.2% annual growth. The strong demand in New Jersey's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Optometrist Salary by City in New Jersey
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Newark $196,121 +22.0% High
🔍
Optometrist Job Market in New Jersey
Key factors affecting compensation

New Jersey is home to a strong job market for Optometrists. The state's key industries — Pharmaceuticals, Finance, Technology — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $160,755 per year, New Jersey's Optometrist salaries are 28.0% higher than the national average.

The cost of living in New Jersey (index: 1.28) justifies the higher pay scale. Entry-level professionals in New Jersey can expect to earn $94,391–$126,560, while experienced Optometrists can command $198,940–$227,418.

Looking ahead, the Optometrist profession in New Jersey is projected to grow at 3.2% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Pharmaceuticals continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
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Compare with Similar Jobs
Related career salary benchmarks
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Optometrist salary in New Jersey is $160,755 per year in 2026, which is 28.0% above the national average of $125,590.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Optometrists the highest wages in New Jersey due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • New Jersey has a strong job market with major industries in Pharmaceuticals, Finance, Technology. This makes it one of the better states for Optometrist employment.
  • At $160,755/year, New Jersey Optometrist salaries are 28.0% higher than the national average of $125,590/year.