Healthcare Wilmington, DE Pop. 70,898

Optometrist Salary in Wilmington, Delaware

The median optometrist salary in Wilmington, DE is $134,381 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median and 3.9% above the Delaware state average.

City Median
$134,381
vs State Avg
+$5,023
vs National
+$8,791
Cost of Living
105%

Optometrist Pay in Wilmington: What to Expect (2026)

Wilmington offers a median optometrist salary of $134,381, which is $5,023 above the Delaware state average of $129,358. Compared to the national median of $125,590, Wilmington pays above average for this role.

Wilmington's cost of living is 105% 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 Wilmington spans from $83,460 at the 10th percentile to $205,440 at the 90th percentile — a $121,980 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $87,740, while senior optometrists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $190,460. Wilmington is a smaller market (pop. 70,898), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Optometrist Salary in Wilmington by Experience

In Wilmington, an entry-level optometrist earns around $87,740, while experienced professionals earn up to $190,460 per year. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$87,740
+$5,740 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$136,960
+$8,960 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$190,460
+$12,460 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Wilmington, DE

Percentile Wilmington
10th Percentile $83,460
25th Percentile $107,000
Median (50th) $134,381
75th Percentile $169,060
90th Percentile $205,440

Optometrist Salary in Other Delaware Cities

Newark, DE
$130,614
Pop. 33,398
Bear, DE
$126,846
Pop. 21,000
Middletown, DE
$125,590
Pop. 22,350
Dover, DE
$123,078
Pop. 39,403

How to Become a Optometrist in Wilmington

Education

Most optometrist positions require a doctoral degree. Wilmington 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 Wilmington may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Optometrist Jobs in Wilmington

Browse open optometrist positions in Wilmington, DE:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Optometrist Salary in Wilmington

How much does a Optometrist make in Wilmington, DE? ▼
The median optometrist salary in Wilmington, Delaware is $134,381 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median of $125,590. Salaries range from $83,460 (10th percentile) to $205,440 (90th percentile).
How much does a Optometrist make per hour in Wilmington? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $134,381, a optometrist in Wilmington earns approximately $65 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Wilmington compare to the Delaware state average for optometrist pay? ▼
Wilmington's median optometrist salary of $134,381 is 3.9% above the Delaware state average of $129,358. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Wilmington, DE? ▼
Wilmington has a cost of living index of 105% compared to the national average. This means a optometrist salary of $134,381 in Wilmington has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a optometrist in Wilmington? ▼
Most optometrist positions in Wilmington 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.