Entry-Level Optometrist Salary in Manchester, NH: $79,413 (2026)
Quick Answer:New optometrists entering the Manchester, NH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $79,413 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1041, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Manchester's local price level (BEA RPP 105.7 — 6% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $75,161 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($128,154) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
Entering the field of optometry in Manchester, New Hampshire presents a clear financial outlook for new graduates. The projected starting optometrist salary in 2026 is approximately $79,413, which represents a significant gap from the median annual salary of $128,154 for the region. However, first-year optometrists can anticipate a growth trajectory, progressing toward the 25th percentile at $128,154 within a few years. This growth potential is bolstered by the estimated annual growth rate of 2.96%, positioning Manchester as a relatively favorable market for entry-level optometrists. For those just beginning their careers, aligning expectations with these numbers is crucial in navigating the early stages of their professional journey.
Career Earnings Timeline in Manchester
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 Manchester
Entry-level optometrists in Manchester, NH typically start between $79,413 and $128,154 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $89,359 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $128,154 — 8.86% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average optometry program cost in New Hampshire of $185,000 represents just 232.96% of the starting optometrist pay ($79,413/year) in Manchester. 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 Manchester
- 1Research the Manchester market: entry-level optometrist pay ranges from $79,413 to $128,154, 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 NH often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Manchester, 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 Manchester for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Manchester'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 Manchester is $89,359 ( 112.52%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $79,413, experienced hygienists can earn up to $168,772.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$99,400
2025 BLS Actual
$77,130
2026 Current Est.
$79,413
2019–2027 Growth
+-17.7%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Manchester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $99,400 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,584 | Actual |
| 2021 | $63,449 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,850 | Actual |
| 2023 | $79,890 | Actual |
| 2024 | $97,520 | Actual |
| 2025 | $77,130 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $79,413 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81,764 | Projected |
Entry-level optometrist compensation (10th percentile) in Manchester, NH grew -22.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $99,400 in 2019 to $77,130 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $81,764. New graduates entering the Manchester job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Manchester 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 Manchester
Employers in Manchester hiring new graduates include prominent retail chains such as LensCrafters, Visionworks, and MyEyeDr, which actively recruit entry-level optometrists and often provide structured ramp-up programs for early-career professionals. Additionally, OD/MD practices seek residency-trained optometrists, creating a diverse landscape for job opportunities. The credentials one acquires, such as an OD degree from an ACOE-accredited institution and successful completion of the NBEO Parts I-III, can enhance initial salary offerings. Continuing education—especially in areas like glaucoma and oral pharmaceutical agent certifications—can further elevate starting pay in New Hampshire. Given the recent trends of private equity acquisitions affecting retail chains, understanding the evolving nature of practice settings and focusing on continuing education can significantly benefit new grad optometrists as they seek salary growth in their first few years.
More salary data for Manchester, NH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for optometrists in Manchester in 2026?
How fast do optometrist salaries grow in Manchester?
Is optometry school worth it in Manchester?
What do new optometrists make right out of school in Manchester?
How do I become a optometrist in New Hampshire?
Related Pages
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Nearby Cities in New Hampshire
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 Manchester. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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