Healthcare Dover, DE Pop. 39,403

Optometrist Salary in Dover, Delaware

The median optometrist salary in Dover, DE is $123,078 per year, which is 2% below the national median and 4.9% below the Delaware state average.

City Median
$123,078
vs State Avg
$-6,280
vs National
$-2,512
Cost of Living
96%

Optometrist Pay in Dover: What to Expect (2026)

Dover offers a median optometrist salary of $123,078, which is $6,280 below the Delaware state average of $129,358. Compared to the national median of $125,590, Dover pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Dover's cost of living is 96% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for optometrists in Dover spans from $76,440 at the 10th percentile to $188,160 at the 90th percentile — a $111,720 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $80,360, while senior optometrists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $174,440. Dover is a smaller market (pop. 39,403), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Optometrist Salary in Dover by Experience

In Dover, an entry-level optometrist earns around $80,360, while experienced professionals earn up to $174,440 per year. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$80,360
$-1,640 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$125,440
$-2,560 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$174,440
$-3,560 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Dover, DE

Percentile Dover
10th Percentile $76,440
25th Percentile $98,000
Median (50th) $123,078
75th Percentile $154,840
90th Percentile $188,160

Optometrist Salary in Other Delaware Cities

Wilmington, DE
$134,381
Pop. 70,898
Newark, DE
$130,614
Pop. 33,398
Bear, DE
$126,846
Pop. 21,000
Middletown, DE
$125,590
Pop. 22,350

How to Become a Optometrist in Dover

Education

Most optometrist positions require a doctoral degree. Dover and the surrounding Delaware area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Eye ExaminationRefractionContact Lens FittingOcular DiseasePatient EducationDiagnostic Equipment

Job Outlook

Nationally, optometrist employment is projected to grow 9% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Dover may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Optometrist Jobs in Dover

Browse open optometrist positions in Dover, DE:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Optometrist Salary in Dover

How much does a Optometrist make in Dover, DE? ▼
The median optometrist salary in Dover, Delaware is $123,078 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $125,590. Salaries range from $76,440 (10th percentile) to $188,160 (90th percentile).
How much does a Optometrist make per hour in Dover? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $123,078, a optometrist in Dover earns approximately $59 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Dover compare to the Delaware state average for optometrist pay? ▼
Dover's median optometrist salary of $123,078 is 4.9% below the Delaware state average of $129,358. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Dover, DE? ▼
Dover has a cost of living index of 96% compared to the national average. This means a optometrist salary of $123,078 in Dover has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a optometrist in Dover? ▼
Most optometrist positions in Dover require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Eye Examination, Refraction, Contact Lens Fitting, Ocular Disease. The job market is projected to grow 9% nationally over the next decade.