Springfield vs Watertown: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Springfield, MA and Watertown, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Springfield, MA | Watertown, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $140,726 | $152,966▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $67.66 | $73.54▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $87,217 | $88,720▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $114,203 | $128,209▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $162,821 | $179,364▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $180,860 | $213,996▲ |
| Total Employed | 30▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Watertown, MA offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Springfield.
The salary gap between Springfield and Watertown is $12,240 (8.70%). Watertown's median is +8.79% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Springfield spans $93,643,Watertown spans $125,276. Watertown 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, Springfield ($146,496 effective) pays 3.91% more than Watertown ($140,982 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Springfield if…
- ✓Larger job market (30 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $146,496)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Choose Watertown if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($152,966/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($213,996)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Springfield grew 10.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -7.5% growth in Watertown over the same period.
Springfield, MA
$124,300 (2019) → $136,680 (2025)
Watertown, MA
$160,640 (2024) → $148,568 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Springfield, MA
Watertown, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Springfield or Watertown?
What is the hourly rate difference between Springfield and Watertown?
Should I relocate from Springfield to Watertown as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Springfield vs Watertown?
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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