Amherst Town vs Shrewsbury: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Amherst Town, MA and Shrewsbury, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Amherst Town, MA | Shrewsbury, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $154,975▲ | $148,155 |
| Hourly Rate | $74.50▲ | $71.23 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $109,580▲ | $86,871 |
| 25th Percentile | $136,041▲ | $121,694 |
| 75th Percentile | $158,250 | $180,069▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $189,117 | $217,683▲ |
| Total Employed | 40▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Amherst Town, MA offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Shrewsbury.
The salary gap between Amherst Town and Shrewsbury is $6,820 (4.60%). Amherst Town's median is +10.21% 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,Shrewsbury spans $130,812. Shrewsbury 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 13.22% more than Shrewsbury ($136,548 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Amherst Town if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($154,975/year)
- ✓Larger job market (40 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $154,599)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Choose Shrewsbury if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($217,683)
- ✓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 -7.5% growth in Shrewsbury over the same period.
Amherst Town, MA
$137,510 (2024) → $150,520 (2025)
Shrewsbury, MA
$155,588 (2024) → $143,896 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Amherst Town, MA
Shrewsbury, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Amherst Town or Shrewsbury?
What is the hourly rate difference between Amherst Town and Shrewsbury?
Should I relocate from Amherst Town to Shrewsbury as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Amherst Town vs Shrewsbury?
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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