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Optometrist Salary in Ithaca, NY

How much does a optometrist make in Ithaca? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Ithaca's cost of living.

Median Salary
$173,718
per year in Ithaca
Entry Level
$105,072
Starting salary
Senior Level
$238,162
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
108
8% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how optometrist salaries break down across different pay periods in Ithaca.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$105,072$173,718$238,162
Monthly$8,756$14,477$19,847
Biweekly$4,041$6,681$9,160
Weekly$2,021$3,341$4,580
Hourly$51$84$115

Ithaca vs National Average

How Ithaca's optometrist salaries compare to national figures.

Ithaca Salary
$173,718
COL Index: 108
National Average
$128,680
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$45,038
Higher in Ithaca

Cost of Living in Ithaca

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,300
per month
Median Income
$36,840
per year
Population
32,108
residents
Rent % of Income
42.3%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 108 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Ithaca have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Optometrist

Overview

Perform eye exams and prescribe corrective lenses and treatments.

Education

Doctor of Optometry (OD); licensure required

Key Skills

Eye ExaminationLens PrescriptionPatient CareDiagnostic Skills

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +14% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Optometrist Salary

See Optometrist salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$160,520
-8%
Los Angeles, CA
$137,070
-21%
Chicago, IL
$138,510
-20%
Houston, TX
$124,780
-28%
Phoenix, AZ
$134,430
-23%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Optometrist Salary in Ithaca, NY — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a optometrist in Ithaca, NY is $173,718 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 108. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Ithaca's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level optometrist professionals in Ithaca can expect to earn around $105,072 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level optometrists earning approximately $238,162 per year. This represents a 127% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Ithaca's cost of living index of 108 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Ithaca are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $128,680, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a optometrist's salary in Ithaca typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,300 per month, housing represents about 9.0% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Optometrists are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 14% over the next decade. In Ithaca, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Data source: Salary estimates on this page are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.