Optometrist Salary in Sanford, ME: $130,831 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Sanford, ME earns a median $130,831/year (≈ $62.90/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Sanford's price level (0% above national, BEA RPP 99.6), that paycheck buys what $131,356 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.6% below the Maine state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, optometrists in Sanford, Maine, can expect a median annual salary of $130,831, reflecting the region's expanded scope of practice that includes glaucoma management and oral medications. This salary range spans from $80,426 at the 10th percentile to $176,012 at the 90th percentile, indicating a diverse compensation structure based on experience and employment type. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, adjusted for regional price parities, which underscores the local market context. Given Sanford's relatively small employment base of six optometrists, the job market remains competitive, which can influence earnings potential for both new and established practitioners.
About the Sanford Market
Salary estimated from Maine average ($130,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,426 | $38.66 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $110,499 | $53.13 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $130,831 | $62.90 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $150,178 | $72.21 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $176,012 | $84.62 |
Median Salary Position
6.96% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Sanford
In Sanford, ME, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $95,586 (2026 est.). At $130,831, the local median is 6.96% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Sanford: You'd be above the median
How Sanford Optometrist Pay Compares
Sanford median: $130,831/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Sanford Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Maine Average | $140,076 | -6.60% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -6.96% less |
Optometrists in Sanford, ME earn a median of $130,831 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.96% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 6.60% below the Maine state average of $140,076.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Sanford has a cost of living 0.40% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Sanford, ME has a cost-of-living index of 99.6 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $130,831 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $131,356 in an average-cost city — an effective 0.4% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$107,233
2025 BLS Actual
$127,070
2026 Current Est.
$130,831
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Sanford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $107,233 | Actual |
| 2020 | $109,838 | Actual |
| 2021 | $115,654 | Actual |
| 2022 | $116,854 | Actual |
| 2023 | $122,688 | Actual |
| 2024 | $120,957 | Actual |
| 2025 | $127,070 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $130,831 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $134,704 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Sanford metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $107,233 (2019) to $127,070 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $134,704 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,471 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sanford 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $80,426 – $110,499 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $110,499 – $130,831 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $130,831 – $150,178 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $150,178 – $176,012 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Sanford
The local job market reflects a blend of opportunities among different types of employers. While private optometry practices and group settings typically offer the highest compensation, retail optical chains like Walmart Vision or private equity acquisitions of former independent practices can provide alternative pathways for new entrants into the field. The cost of living index in Sanford stands at 99.6, slightly below the national average, which may enhance purchasing power for optometrists operating in this area. Factors influencing the spread in pay include practice ownership dynamics, the collaborative OD/MD model, and advanced training in ocular disease. To maximize their income, optometrists may consider specializing or pursuing residency training while also evaluating employment offers closely for the best post-acquisition terms, as these can significantly impact long-term financial outcomes.
More salary data for Sanford, ME:
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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $127,070 for optometristsin the Sanford metropolitan area. A 2.96% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Sanford 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