Healthcare Erie, PA Pop. 94,831

Optometrist Salary in Erie, Pennsylvania

The median optometrist salary in Erie, PA is $109,263 per year, which is 13% below the national median and 12.1% below the Pennsylvania state average.

City Median
$109,263
vs State Avg
$-15,071
vs National
$-16,327
Cost of Living
84%

Optometrist Pay in Erie: What to Expect (2026)

Erie offers a median optometrist salary of $109,263, which is $15,071 below the Pennsylvania state average of $124,334. Compared to the national median of $125,590, Erie pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Erie's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 84% of the national average. This means the $109,263 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $130,075 in an average-cost city. This makes Erie an attractive option for optometrists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for optometrists in Erie spans from $67,860 at the 10th percentile to $167,040 at the 90th percentile — a $99,180 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $71,340, while senior optometrists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $154,860. Erie is a smaller market (pop. 94,831), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Optometrist Salary in Erie by Experience

In Erie, an entry-level optometrist earns around $71,340, while experienced professionals earn up to $154,860 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$71,340
$-10,660 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$111,360
$-16,640 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$154,860
$-23,140 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Erie, PA

Percentile Erie
10th Percentile $67,860
25th Percentile $87,000
Median (50th) $109,263
75th Percentile $137,460
90th Percentile $167,040

Optometrist Salary in Other Pennsylvania Cities

Philadelphia, PA
$131,870
Pop. 1,603,797
Allentown, PA
$121,822
Pop. 126,092
Pittsburgh, PA
$120,566
Pop. 302,971
Reading, PA
$114,287
Pop. 95,112

How to Become a Optometrist in Erie

Education

Most optometrist positions require a doctoral degree. Erie and the surrounding Pennsylvania 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 Erie may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Optometrist Jobs in Erie

Browse open optometrist positions in Erie, PA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Optometrist Salary in Erie

How much does a Optometrist make in Erie, PA? ▼
The median optometrist salary in Erie, Pennsylvania is $109,263 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $125,590. Salaries range from $67,860 (10th percentile) to $167,040 (90th percentile).
How much does a Optometrist make per hour in Erie? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $109,263, a optometrist in Erie earns approximately $53 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Erie compare to the Pennsylvania state average for optometrist pay? ▼
Erie's median optometrist salary of $109,263 is 12.1% below the Pennsylvania state average of $124,334. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Erie, PA? ▼
Erie has a cost of living index of 84% compared to the national average. This means a optometrist salary of $109,263 in Erie has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a optometrist in Erie? ▼
Most optometrist positions in Erie 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.