Entry-Level Optometrist Salary in Franklin, MA: $85,995 (2026)
Quick Answer:New optometrists entering the Franklin, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $85,995 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1041, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Franklin's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $79,258 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($147,759) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new optometry graduates entering the profession in Franklin, Massachusetts, the starting salary can be a bit variable, with entry-level positions often beginning around $85,995. This initial compensation may seem lower in comparison to the city median annual salary of $147,759. However, the first few years in practice can be quite progressive, as many new optometrists can expect their pay to grow significantly. Over the course of 3 to 5 years, it’s realistic for newly minted ODs to aim for salaries in the vicinity of $117,608 as they gain experience and establish their practice. Franklin presents a decent market for fresh graduates, especially considering the steady demand for eye care professionals in the area, as well as opportunities for mentorship and career advancement.
About the Franklin Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($150,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Franklin
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Franklin
Entry-level optometrists in Franklin, MA typically start between $85,995 and $117,608 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $124,754 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $147,759 — 5.08% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average optometry program cost in Massachusetts of $200,000 represents just 232.57% of the starting optometrist pay ($85,995/year) in Franklin. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on ACOE-accredited Doctor of Optometry programs. Public school OD programs offer lower in-state tuition, while private institutions carry higher out-of-pocket costs. Totals reflect tuition and fees for the 4-year professional program; clinical rotation travel and living costs add to the total cost of attendance.
OD Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Franklin
- 1Research the Franklin market: entry-level optometrist pay ranges from $85,995 to $117,608, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the optometry field — employers in MA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Franklin, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Franklin for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Franklin's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Optometrist Compensation Range
The optometrist wage spread in Franklin is $124,754 ( 145.07%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $85,995, experienced hygienists can earn up to $210,749.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$66,042
2025 BLS Actual
$83,523
2026 Current Est.
$85,995
2019–2027 Growth
+34.1%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Franklin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $66,042 | Actual |
| 2020 | $67,771 | Actual |
| 2021 | $68,708 | Actual |
| 2022 | $69,333 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,490 | Actual |
| 2024 | $89,999 | Actual |
| 2025 | $83,523 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $85,995 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $88,541 | Projected |
Entry-level optometrist compensation (10th percentile) in Franklin, MA grew 26.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $66,042 in 2019 to $83,523 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $88,541. New graduates entering the Franklin job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Franklin metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.96% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your optometry Career in Franklin
Employers in Franklin who typically hire new grads in this field include well-known retail chains like LensCrafters, Visionworks, and MyEyeDr, which often provide structured onboarding and training programs. These establishments are crucial for entry-level optometrists seeking to build their skills and confidence. Additionally, more specialized opportunities exist within OD/MD practices that may require residency training for higher-level roles, making such credentials attractive for new graduates. Continuing education is essential as well, including obtaining an OD degree from an ACOE-accredited institution, passing the NBEO exams, and acquiring state licenses. In this context, the growing scope of practice in optometry—including glaucoma management and prescribing oral medications—gives Illinois ODs a chance to increase starting pay and future opportunities. However, as more retail chains consolidate, the evolving market will also mean that private practice roles might expect candidates to show long-term commitment through buy-in options, impacting starting strategies in this profession.
More salary data for Franklin, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for optometrists in Franklin in 2026?
How fast do optometrist salaries grow in Franklin?
Is optometry school worth it in Franklin?
What do new optometrists make right out of school in Franklin?
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new optometry graduates. A 2.96% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Franklin. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Franklin is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.96%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for optometrists (SOC 29-1041).
Compiled and verified by Aisha Patel, OD, a licensed optometrist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov