Healthcare Providence, RI Pop. 190,934

Optometrist Salary in Providence, Rhode Island

The median optometrist salary in Providence, RI is $139,405 per year, which is 11.0% above the national median and 2.8% above the Rhode Island state average.

City Median
$139,405
vs State Avg
+$3,768
vs National
+$13,815
Cost of Living
108%

Optometrist Pay in Providence: What to Expect (2026)

Providence offers a median optometrist salary of $139,405, which is $3,768 above the Rhode Island state average of $135,637. Compared to the national median of $125,590, Providence pays above average for this role.

Providence's cost of living is 108% 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 Providence spans from $86,580 at the 10th percentile to $213,120 at the 90th percentile — a $126,540 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $91,020, while senior optometrists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $197,580. With a population of 190,934, Providence is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Optometrist Salary in Providence by Experience

In Providence, an entry-level optometrist earns around $91,020, while experienced professionals earn up to $197,580 per year. The local cost of living index is 108% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$91,020
+$9,020 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$142,080
+$14,080 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$197,580
+$19,580 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Providence, RI

Percentile Providence
10th Percentile $86,580
25th Percentile $111,000
Median (50th) $139,405
75th Percentile $175,380
90th Percentile $213,120

Optometrist Salary in Other Rhode Island Cities

How to Become a Optometrist in Providence

Education

Most optometrist positions require a doctoral degree. Providence and the surrounding Rhode Island 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 Providence may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Optometrist Jobs in Providence

Browse open optometrist positions in Providence, RI:

Frequently Asked Questions: Optometrist Salary in Providence

How much does a Optometrist make in Providence, RI? ▼
The median optometrist salary in Providence, Rhode Island is $139,405 per year, which is 11.0% above the national median of $125,590. Salaries range from $86,580 (10th percentile) to $213,120 (90th percentile).
How much does a Optometrist make per hour in Providence? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $139,405, a optometrist in Providence earns approximately $67 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Providence compare to the Rhode Island state average for optometrist pay? ▼
Providence's median optometrist salary of $139,405 is 2.8% above the Rhode Island state average of $135,637. The local cost of living index is 108% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Providence, RI? ▼
Providence has a cost of living index of 108% compared to the national average. This means a optometrist salary of $139,405 in Providence has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a optometrist in Providence? ▼
Most optometrist positions in Providence 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.