HealthcareUpdated Q1 2026

Optometrist Salary
in Elizabeth, NJ

Examine eyes for vision problems and disease, prescribing corrective lenses and treatment. Median salary in Elizabeth: $200K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.

Median salary
$200K
per year
Take-home: $119K

Salary range in Elizabeth

Entry level (25th)$162,000
Median (50th)$200,000
Senior (75th)$244,000
Top earner (90th)$305,000
Data freshness

Figures represent annual base salary in Elizabeth, New Jersey. Reviewed by SalaryOptics Editorial · How we calculate this →

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What the numbers say for Elizabeth

Analysis derived from the salary, COL, tax, and labor-market figures above — specific to this role and city.

45% premium vs national median

Optometrists in Elizabeth earn approximately 45% higher than the US national median for this role — a $62,000 premium on annual base salary. This reflects Elizabeth's position as a higher-cost labor market where employers must match local wage norms.

10.75% state tax = $21,500/yr

New Jersey's 10.75% state income tax reduces take-home by roughly $21,500 per year at the median salary. A Optometrist relocating to a no-tax state like Texas, Florida, or Tennessee would retain that amount without changing gross pay.

Primarily on-site role

Only 5% of Optometrist positions offer remote flexibility, meaning the Elizabeth salary above represents what local employers actually pay — not a remote-anywhere rate. Geographic constraints reinforce the local market, so the salary range above is more directly applicable than for remote-friendly roles.

Key facts for Elizabeth

Median salary
$200K
annual
Take-home pay
$119K
after fed/state tax
COL index
145
100 = US avg
State income tax
10.75%
effective rate
Avg 1BR rent
$2,000
per month
YoY growth
+2.8%
salary trend

Salary forecast: Elizabeth Optometrist to 2030

Based on BLS 2022–2032 Employment Projections and WEF Future of Jobs Report 2026. At current growth rates, median salary reaches $200K by 2030.

Salary trend & forecast — Elizabeth

Historical (2019–2025) + projected to 2030 based on BLS growth rates

HistoricalProjected
Optometrist salary trend 2019–2030PROJECTED →$167K$182K$197K$211K$226K201920212023202520272029
2026
$205K
projected
2027
$210K
projected
2028
$215K
projected
2029
$221K
projected
2030
$226K
projected

Projections based on BLS Employment Projections 2022–2032 CAGR and WEF Jobs Report 2025. Not financial advice.

YearProjected median salaryvs today
2027 projected$200,000+$0
2028 projected$200,000+$0
2029 projected$200,000+$0
2030 projected$200,000+$0

Projections use compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from BLS occupational outlook data. Actual salaries may vary.

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Optometrist Salary in Elizabeth, New Jersey: Complete Guide (2026)

The median Optometrist salary in Elizabeth, NJ is $200,000 per year as of Q1 2026. This figure represents the midpoint of all reported compensation for this role in the Elizabeth–NJ metropolitan area, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics, H-1B visa disclosures from the Department of Labor, and O*NET occupational data.

Salary range for Optometrist in Elizabeth

Entry-level Optometrists in Elizabeth with 0–2 years of experience typically earn between $162,000 and $200,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 3–7 years command $200,000 to $244,000, while senior-level practitioners with 8+ years of experience regularly earn $244,000 to $305,000 or more.

Cost of living in Elizabeth for Optometrists

Elizabeth has a cost of living index of 145 compared to the US national average of 100. Elizabeth's cost of living is above the US average, so the salary figures above reflect local market rates. New Jersey has a 10.75% state income tax rate.

Education requirements for Optometrist

Doctor of Optometry (OD); state licensure. 5% of these roles offer some remote flexibility.

Optometrist salary in nearby cities

CityMedian salaryCOL index
Elizabeth (current)$200K145
Newark$168K155
Jersey City$173K162
Paterson$193K140
Edison$190K138