Healthcare Reading, PA Pop. 95,112

Optometrist Salary in Reading, Pennsylvania

The median optometrist salary in Reading, PA is $114,287 per year, which is 9% below the national median and 8.1% below the Pennsylvania state average.

City Median
$114,287
vs State Avg
$-10,047
vs National
$-11,303
Cost of Living
88%

Optometrist Pay in Reading: What to Expect (2026)

Reading offers a median optometrist salary of $114,287, which is $10,047 below the Pennsylvania state average of $124,334. Compared to the national median of $125,590, Reading pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Reading's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $114,287 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $129,872 in an average-cost city. This makes Reading an attractive option for optometrists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for optometrists in Reading spans from $70,980 at the 10th percentile to $174,720 at the 90th percentile — a $103,740 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $74,620, while senior optometrists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $161,980. Reading is a smaller market (pop. 95,112), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Optometrist Salary in Reading by Experience

In Reading, an entry-level optometrist earns around $74,620, while experienced professionals earn up to $161,980 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$74,620
$-7,380 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$116,480
$-11,520 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$161,980
$-16,020 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Reading, PA

Percentile Reading
10th Percentile $70,980
25th Percentile $91,000
Median (50th) $114,287
75th Percentile $143,780
90th Percentile $174,720

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
Erie, PA
$109,263
Pop. 94,831

How to Become a Optometrist in Reading

Education

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

Find Optometrist Jobs in Reading

Browse open optometrist positions in Reading, PA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Optometrist Salary in Reading

How much does a Optometrist make in Reading, PA? ▼
The median optometrist salary in Reading, Pennsylvania is $114,287 per year, which is 9% below the national median of $125,590. Salaries range from $70,980 (10th percentile) to $174,720 (90th percentile).
How much does a Optometrist make per hour in Reading? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $114,287, a optometrist in Reading earns approximately $55 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Reading compare to the Pennsylvania state average for optometrist pay? ▼
Reading's median optometrist salary of $114,287 is 8.1% below the Pennsylvania state average of $124,334. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Reading, PA? ▼
Reading has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a optometrist salary of $114,287 in Reading has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a optometrist in Reading? ▼
Most optometrist positions in Reading 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.