📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Optometrist Salary in Rhode Island (2026)

Rhode Island · 15.0% above national average · High Demand

Average
$144,428
per year
Median
$137,977
per year
Hourly
$69.44
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$84,804
25th Percentile — Junior$113,706
50th Percentile — Median$137,977
75th Percentile — Senior$178,735
90th Percentile — Top Earners$204,321
💡 Top-earning Optometrists in Rhode Island make up to $204,321 per year. The job market in Rhode Island is rated moderate, with key industries including Healthcare, Education, Manufacturing.
📈
Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$123.4k
2021
$127.3k
2022
$131.4k
2023
$135.6k
2024
$139.9k
2025
$144.4k
2026
📈 Optometrist salaries in Rhode Island have followed the national trend with 3.2% annual growth. The strong demand in Rhode Island's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Optometrist Salary by City in Rhode Island
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Statewide Average $144,428 +0% High
🔍
Optometrist Job Market in Rhode Island
Key factors affecting compensation

Rhode Island is home to a moderate job market for Optometrists. The state's key industries — Healthcare, Education, Manufacturing — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $144,428 per year, Rhode Island's Optometrist salaries are 15.0% higher than the national average.

The cost of living in Rhode Island (index: 1.15) justifies the higher pay scale. Entry-level professionals in Rhode Island can expect to earn $84,804–$113,706, while experienced Optometrists can command $178,735–$204,321.

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

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
⚖️
Compare with Similar Jobs
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Optometrist salary in Rhode Island is $144,428 per year in 2026, which is 15.0% above the national average of $125,590.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Optometrists the highest wages in Rhode Island due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • Rhode Island has a moderate job market with major industries in Healthcare, Education, Manufacturing. Opportunities exist in for Optometrist employment.
  • At $144,428/year, Rhode Island Optometrist salaries are 15.0% higher than the national average of $125,590/year.