Entry-Level Optometrist Salary in Weymouth, MA: $89,703 (2026)
Quick Answer:New optometrists entering the Weymouth, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $89,703 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1041, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Weymouth's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $82,676 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($154,659) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Starting salaries for new optometrists entering the job market in Weymouth, Massachusetts, in 2026 are projected to be around $89,703, presenting a significant gap when compared to the city's median salary of $154,659. For those just beginning their careers, this starting figure is indicative of the potential for growth, as many can realistically expect to see their earnings rise to $125,903 at the 25th percentile after a few years in practice. The trajectory from entry-level positions toward mid-career salaries suggests that Weymouth remains a competitive market for new graduates embarking on their professional journeys, especially given the area's steady demand for optometric services.
About the Weymouth Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($150,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Weymouth
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 Weymouth
Entry-level optometrists in Weymouth, MA typically start between $89,703 and $125,903 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $145,876 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $154,659 — 9.99% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average optometry program cost in Massachusetts of $200,000 represents just 222.96% of the starting optometrist pay ($89,703/year) in Weymouth. 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 Weymouth
- 1Research the Weymouth market: entry-level optometrist pay ranges from $89,703 to $125,903, 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 Weymouth, 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 Weymouth for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Weymouth'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 Weymouth is $145,876 ( 162.62%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $89,703, experienced hygienists can earn up to $235,579.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$68,889
2025 BLS Actual
$87,124
2026 Current Est.
$89,703
2019–2027 Growth
+34.1%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Weymouth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $68,889 | Actual |
| 2020 | $70,693 | Actual |
| 2021 | $71,670 | Actual |
| 2022 | $72,322 | Actual |
| 2023 | $75,615 | Actual |
| 2024 | $94,202 | Actual |
| 2025 | $87,124 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $89,703 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $92,358 | Projected |
Entry-level optometrist compensation (10th percentile) in Weymouth, MA grew 26.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $68,889 in 2019 to $87,124 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $92,358. New graduates entering the Weymouth job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Weymouth 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 Weymouth
In Weymouth, several employers actively recruit new grad optometrists, with retail chains such as LensCrafters, Visionworks, and MyEyeDr being some of the primary hiring sources for entry-level positions. These organizations often offer structured ramp programs that can ease the transition from academia to practice. Additionally, more specialized practices and the VA system frequently look for residency-trained ODs, opening further career pathways. For new optometrists looking to enhance their starting pay, obtaining a Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree from an ACOE-accredited school, along with passing the NBEO Parts I-III, is essential. Furthermore, pursuing additional credentials, such as a glaucoma certification or completing a residency focused on ocular disease, will position new graduates favorably in a job market where the scope of practice has expanded. Those entering the optometry field should aim for clear career strategies that leverage these qualifications, as the industry emphasizes both clinical capabilities and continuing education to boost professional and financial opportunities within 1-3 years.
More salary data for Weymouth, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Weymouth. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Weymouth 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