Optometrist Salary

Everett vs Worcester: Optometrist Salary (2026)

Compare optometrist salaries between Everett, MA and Worcester, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Everett, MA
$152,172
$73.16/hr
Worcester, MA
$154,028
$74.05/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricEverett, MAWorcester, MA
Median Salary$152,172$154,028
Hourly Rate$73.16$74.05
Entry Level (P10)$88,259$93,982
25th Percentile$120,676$134,116
75th Percentile$177,599$169,596
Top Earner (P90)$225,710$193,060
Total Employed790
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Everett ($152,172) and Worcester ($154,028) optometrist salaries.EverettWorcesterMedian Salary$152,172$154,028Entry Level (P10)$88,259$93,982Top Earner (P90)$225,710$193,060US Median $140,612

Verdict

Worcester, MA offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Everett.

The salary gap between Everett and Worcester is $1,856 (1.22%). Worcester's median is +9.54% compared to the US national median of $140,612.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Everett spans $137,451,Worcester spans $99,078. Everett has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Everett
P10 (Entry)$88,259
P25$120,676
Median$152,172
P75$177,599
P90 (Top)$225,710
Worcester
P10 (Entry)$93,982
P25$134,116
Median$154,028
P75$169,596
P90 (Top)$193,060

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Worcester ($150,238 effective) pays 7.12% more than Everett ($140,251 effective).

Everett
Nominal: $152,172
CoL Index: 108.5
Adjusted: $140,251
Worcester
Nominal: $154,028
CoL Index: 102.523
Adjusted: $150,238

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Everett if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($225,710)
  • You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle

Choose Worcester if…

  • Higher median salary ($154,028/year)
  • Larger job market (90 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $150,238)
  • You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Everett grew -7.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 32.1% growth in Worcester over the same period.

Everett, MA

+-7.5%

$159,806 (2024) → $147,797 (2025)

Worcester, MA

+32.1%

$113,250 (2019) → $149,600 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays optometrists more: Everett or Worcester?

Worcester has a higher median optometrist salary at $154,028/year, compared to Everett at $152,172/year — a difference of $1,856 (1.22%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Everett and Worcester?

Everett optometrists earn $73.16/hr while Worcester hygienists earn $74.05/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Everett to Worcester as a optometrist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Everett and Worcester. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Everett = $140,251, Worcester = $150,238), job availability (7 vs 90 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level optometrists earn in Everett vs Worcester?

Entry-level (10th percentile) optometrists earn $88,259 in Everett and $93,982 in Worcester. The Worcester area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

AP

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.

Clinically reviewed by Rajiv Kumar, ODData verified by Sofia Martinez, OD

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