Healthcare Philadelphia, PA Pop. 1,603,797

Optometrist Salary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The median optometrist salary in Philadelphia, PA is $131,870 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median and 6.1% above the Pennsylvania state average.

City Median
$131,870
vs State Avg
+$7,536
vs National
+$6,280
Cost of Living
102%

Optometrist Pay in Philadelphia: What to Expect (2026)

Philadelphia offers a median optometrist salary of $131,870, which is $7,536 above the Pennsylvania state average of $124,334. Compared to the national median of $125,590, Philadelphia pays above average for this role.

Philadelphia's cost of living is 102% 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 Philadelphia spans from $81,900 at the 10th percentile to $201,600 at the 90th percentile — a $119,700 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $86,100, while senior optometrists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $186,900. As a major metro area with a population of 1,603,797, Philadelphia typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Optometrist Salary in Philadelphia by Experience

In Philadelphia, an entry-level optometrist earns around $86,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $186,900 per year. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$86,100
+$4,100 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$134,400
+$6,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$186,900
+$8,900 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Philadelphia, PA

Percentile Philadelphia
10th Percentile $81,900
25th Percentile $105,000
Median (50th) $131,870
75th Percentile $165,900
90th Percentile $201,600

Optometrist Salary in Other Pennsylvania Cities

Allentown, PA
$121,822
Pop. 126,092
Pittsburgh, PA
$120,566
Pop. 302,971
Reading, PA
$114,287
Pop. 95,112
Erie, PA
$109,263
Pop. 94,831

How to Become a Optometrist in Philadelphia

Education

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

Find Optometrist Jobs in Philadelphia

Browse open optometrist positions in Philadelphia, PA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Optometrist Salary in Philadelphia

How much does a Optometrist make in Philadelphia, PA? ▼
The median optometrist salary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is $131,870 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $125,590. Salaries range from $81,900 (10th percentile) to $201,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a Optometrist make per hour in Philadelphia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $131,870, a optometrist in Philadelphia earns approximately $63 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Philadelphia compare to the Pennsylvania state average for optometrist pay? ▼
Philadelphia's median optometrist salary of $131,870 is 6.1% above the Pennsylvania state average of $124,334. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Philadelphia, PA? ▼
Philadelphia has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a optometrist salary of $131,870 in Philadelphia has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a optometrist in Philadelphia? ▼
Most optometrist positions in Philadelphia 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.