Amherst Town vs Cambridge: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Amherst Town, MA and Cambridge, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Amherst Town, MA | Cambridge, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $154,975 | $155,747▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $74.50 | $74.88▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $109,580▲ | $90,333 |
| 25th Percentile | $136,041▲ | $119,631 |
| 75th Percentile | $158,250 | $188,888▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $189,117 | $231,838▲ |
| Total Employed | 40▲ | 22 |
Verdict
Cambridge, MA offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Amherst Town.
The salary gap between Amherst Town and Cambridge is $772 (0.50%). Cambridge's median is +10.76% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Amherst Town spans $79,537,Cambridge spans $141,505. Cambridge has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced optometrists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Amherst Town ($154,599 effective) pays 7.70% more than Cambridge ($143,546 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Amherst Town if…
- ✓Larger job market (40 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $154,599)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Choose Cambridge if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($155,747/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($231,838)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Amherst Town grew 9.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -5.7% growth in Cambridge over the same period.
Amherst Town, MA
$137,510 (2024) → $150,520 (2025)
Cambridge, MA
$160,452 (2024) → $151,269 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Amherst Town, MA
Cambridge, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Amherst Town or Cambridge?
What is the hourly rate difference between Amherst Town and Cambridge?
Should I relocate from Amherst Town to Cambridge as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Amherst Town vs Cambridge?
Related Comparisons
Written by Aisha Patel, OD
Career Analyst
Aisha Patel has 10 years of experience in optometry. She specializes in pediatric vision care. Aisha works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.96% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Aisha Patel, OD, a licensed optometrist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov