Optometrists Salary in New Jersey
Optometrists in New Jersey earn a median annual wage of $159,040 —16.5% above the national median of $136,570. That ranks NJ #6 of 51 covered states and territories for this occupation.
Wage distribution
How earnings are spread across workers in this occupation, from the 10th to the 90th percentile.
Employment is 1.17× as concentrated as the national average, making New Jersey a strong market for this occupation.
Highest-paying states for optometrists
All 51 states ranked by median annual wage. New Jersey is highlighted.
| # | State | Median annual | Median hourly | Employment | Location quotient |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alaska | $170,310 | $81.88 | 60 | 0.67 |
| 2 | Maryland | $165,840 | $79.73 | 780 | 1.02 |
| 3 | North Carolina | $161,560 | $77.67 | 1,140 | 0.84 |
| 4 | Delaware | $161,270 | $77.54 | 190 | 1.39 |
| 5 | New York | $161,140 | $77.47 | 2,390 | 0.90 |
| 6 | New Jersey | $159,040 | $76.46 | 1,380 | 1.17 |
| 7 | Minnesota | $158,700 | $76.30 | 710 | 0.88 |
| 8 | Washington | $157,560 | $75.75 | 760 | 0.78 |
| 9 | Hawaii | $154,620 | $74.34 | 230 | 1.32 |
| 10 | Maine | $154,110 | $74.09 | 180 | 1.02 |
Related occupations in New Jersey
Occupations in the same job family, compared within New Jersey.
| Occupation | New Jersey median | U.S. median |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurses | $106,500 | $97,550 |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | $75,160 | $64,400 |
| Pharmacy Technicians | $39,610 | $45,750 |
| Physicians, All Other | $285,010 | $265,930 |
| Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians | $68,450 | $62,930 |
| Nurse Practitioners | $159,310 | $132,300 |
Frequently asked questions
How much do optometrists make in New Jersey?
The median annual wage for optometrists in New Jersey is $159,040, or $76.46 per hour. That is 16.5% above the national median of $136,570.
What is the entry-level optometrists salary in New Jersey?
Workers at the 10th percentile earn $104,730 per year ($50.35/hour). The 25th percentile is $134,560.
How many people work as optometrists in New Jersey?
About 1,380 people work in this occupation in New Jersey, or 0.3 per 1,000 jobs statewide.
Is New Jersey a good state for optometrists?
New Jersey ranks #6 of 51 states by median wage for this occupation. Employment is 1.17x as concentrated as the national average, making New Jersey a strong market for this occupation.
Which state pays optometrists the most?
Alaska has the highest median wage at $170,310 per year, followed by Maryland ($165,840) and North Carolina ($161,560).