Healthcare Newark, NJ Pop. 311,549

Optometrist Salary in Newark, New Jersey

The median optometrist salary in Newark, NJ is $146,940 per year, which is 17.0% above the national median and 2.5% below the New Jersey state average.

City Median
$146,940
vs State Avg
$-3,768
vs National
+$21,350
Cost of Living
112%

Optometrist Pay in Newark: What to Expect (2026)

Newark offers a median optometrist salary of $146,940, which is $3,768 below the New Jersey state average of $150,708. Compared to the national median of $125,590, Newark pays above average for this role.

However, Newark's cost of living index is 112%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $146,940 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $131,196. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Newark should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for optometrists in Newark spans from $91,260 at the 10th percentile to $224,640 at the 90th percentile — a $133,380 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $95,940, while senior optometrists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $208,260. With a population of 311,549, Newark is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Optometrist Salary in Newark by Experience

In Newark, an entry-level optometrist earns around $95,940, while experienced professionals earn up to $208,260 per year. The local cost of living index is 112% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$95,940
+$13,940 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$149,760
+$21,760 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$208,260
+$30,260 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Newark, NJ

Percentile Newark
10th Percentile $91,260
25th Percentile $117,000
Median (50th) $146,940
75th Percentile $184,860
90th Percentile $224,640

Optometrist Salary in Other New Jersey Cities

Jersey City, NJ
$167,035
Pop. 292,449
Edison, NJ
$150,708
Pop. 107,588
Elizabeth, NJ
$141,917
Pop. 137,298
Paterson, NJ
$138,149
Pop. 159,732

How to Become a Optometrist in Newark

Education

Most optometrist positions require a doctoral degree. Newark and the surrounding New Jersey 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 Newark may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Optometrist Jobs in Newark

Browse open optometrist positions in Newark, NJ:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Optometrist Salary in Newark

How much does a Optometrist make in Newark, NJ? ▼
The median optometrist salary in Newark, New Jersey is $146,940 per year, which is 17.0% above the national median of $125,590. Salaries range from $91,260 (10th percentile) to $224,640 (90th percentile).
How much does a Optometrist make per hour in Newark? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $146,940, a optometrist in Newark earns approximately $71 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Newark compare to the New Jersey state average for optometrist pay? ▼
Newark's median optometrist salary of $146,940 is 2.5% below the New Jersey state average of $150,708. The local cost of living index is 112% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Newark, NJ? ▼
Newark has a cost of living index of 112% compared to the national average. This means a optometrist salary of $146,940 in Newark has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a optometrist in Newark? ▼
Most optometrist positions in Newark 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.