HealthcareOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Optometrist Salary in New York
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$263,881/yr
Typical range: $247,304 – $291,424
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Optometrist salary by experience level in New York
Optometrist Salary Progression in New York
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $144,310 | $12,026 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $177,295 | $14,775 | +23% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $196,536 | $16,378 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $217,702 | $18,142 | +51% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $263,881 | $21,990 | +83% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $303,463 | $25,289 | +110% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $313,359 | $26,113 | +117% |
Current Salary
$263,881
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $127/hr
Next Level Target
$303,463
Principal · 14
+$40Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
37/100
Below Average
+4% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Optometrist salary in New York, NY?
Staff / Lead Optometrists in New York, NY earn approximately $264K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Optometrist make per hour in New York, NY?
Based on $264K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $127/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Optometrist in New York, NY?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Optometrist in New York, NY earns $247K–$291K/yr.