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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Optometrist Assistant in New Jersey is $149,235 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $72.
However, an Optometrist Assistant's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Optometrist Assistant Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $160,282 | $13,357 | $3,082 | $77 |
| Average | $149,235 | $12,436 | $2,870 | $72 |
| 25th Percentile | $141,047 | $11,754 | $2,712 | $68 |
Del Minelli - Newton, NJ
Vision to Learn - Newark, NJ
DOCS Health - Vineland, NJ
National Vision, Inc. - Atlantic City, NJ
An Optometrist Assistant's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Optometrist Assistant's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here’s how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Optometrist Assistant | $147,529 |
| Intermediate Level Optometrist Assistant | $148,097 |
| Senior Level Optometrist Assistant | $151,893 |
| Specialist Level Optometrist Assistant | $157,231 |
| Expert Level Optometrist Assistant | $158,185 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Optometrist Assistants. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
For Optometrist Assistant roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 50% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Healthcare, offers compensation 30% above the average. Conversely, Optometrist Assistant positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Optometrist Assistant as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $194,005 | $93.0 | 30% |
Understanding how an Optometrist Assistant's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $160,282 | $13,357 | $3,082 | $77 |
| Average | $149,235 | $12,436 | $2,870 | $72 |
| 25th Percentile | $141,047 | $11,754 | $2,712 | $68 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Optometrist Assistant job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Vision To Learn
Newark, NJ
Vision To Learn | Newark, NJ
Vision To Learn Job Description New Jersey - Optometrist. Position Title: Optometrist Mobile Optometry. Location: Newark, NJ. Compensation: $110-$120/hr. +... more
1 Day Ago
National Vision, Inc.
Burlington, NJ
National Vision, Inc. | Burlington, NJ
Optometrist. Full-time. Salary Range: $542.00 - $588.00 per day. Compensation: USD 542 - USD 588 - daily. Company Description. Love what you do and where y... more
1 Day Ago
National Vision, Inc.
Morristown, NJ
National Vision, Inc. | Morristown, NJ
Optometrist. Part-time. Salary Range: $559.00 - $599.00 per day. Compensation: USD 559 - USD 599 - daily. Work when it works for you. This is a great oppor... more
2 Days Ago
Visionworks of America
Morristown, NJ
Visionworks of America | Morristown, NJ
Charles Cummins, O.D. NJ Group. Our optometrists help make quality eye care accessible and affordable, changing the lives of their patients each year. Morr... more
2 Days Ago
AEG Vision
Raritan, NJ
AEG Vision | Raritan, NJ
Optometrist Position. The optometrist will conduct eye exams for Acuity Eyecare group and strive to practice to the full capacity of their license. The opt... more
2 Days Ago
Visionworks of America
Toms River, NJ
Visionworks of America | Toms River, NJ
Charles Cummins, O.D. NJ Group. Our optometrists help make quality eye care accessible and affordable, changing the lives of their patients each year. Toms... more
3 Days Ago
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