Optometrist Salary in Baltimore, MD: $148,540 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Baltimore, MD earns a median $148,540/year (≈ $71.41/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Baltimore's price level (4% above national, BEA RPP 104.5), that paycheck buys what $142,161 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.4% below the Maryland state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, optometrists in Baltimore, Maryland, can expect a median annual salary of $148,540, slightly higher than the national median of $140,612. This compensation reflects the state's expanded scope of practice, which allows optometrists to manage glaucoma, prescribe oral medications, and perform select laser procedures. The salary range for optometrists in this area varies significantly, with the lowest 10 percent earning around $50,718 and the top 10 percent making approximately $178,368. This robust salary range illustrates the diverse opportunities and career trajectories available within this essential healthcare profession, particularly in the vibrant Baltimore market.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,718 | $24.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $66,636 | $32.03 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $148,540 | $71.41 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $174,239 | $83.77 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $178,368 | $85.76 |
Median Salary Position
5.64% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Baltimore
In Baltimore, MD, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $127,650 (2026 est.). At $148,540, the local median is 5.64% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Baltimore: You'd be in the upper quartile
How Baltimore Optometrist Pay Compares
Baltimore median: $148,540/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Baltimore Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland Average | $153,769 | -3.40% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | +5.64% more |
Optometrists in Baltimore, MD earn a median of $148,540 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.64% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 3.40% below the Maryland state average of $153,769.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Baltimore has a cost of living 4.49% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Baltimore, MD has a cost-of-living index of 104.487 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $148,540 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $142,161 — a 4.29% reduction.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$99,360
2025 BLS Actual
$144,270
2026 Current Est.
$148,540
2019–2027 Growth
+53.9%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Baltimore (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $99,360 | Actual |
| 2020 | $88,310 | Actual |
| 2021 | $127,690 | Actual |
| 2022 | $133,130 | Actual |
| 2023 | $142,100 | Actual |
| 2024 | $156,610 | Actual |
| 2025 | $144,270 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $148,540 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $152,937 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Baltimore metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 45.2% from $99,360 (2019) to $144,270 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $152,937 by 2027 — a total increase of $53,577 (53.92%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Baltimore 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) | $50,718 – $66,636 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $66,636 – $148,540 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $148,540 – $174,239 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $174,239 – $178,368 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Baltimore
Within Baltimore, approximately 330 optometrists are currently employed, hinting at a stable job market for ambitious professionals looking to advance their careers. The cost-of-living index stands at 104.487, suggesting that while salaries are competitive, the purchasing power might be somewhat constrained. Employed optometrists will find that private practices often yield higher pay compared to retail optical chains or outpatient centers. Key factors influencing salary disparities include practice ownership equity, the OD/MD model for collaborative care, and the type of residency training an optometrist has. For those aiming to maximize their optometrist pay in Baltimore, seeking out opportunities in specialties or taking on managerial roles in private practices can be effective strategies, especially in light of the evolving industry landscape characterized by consolidations and acquisitions in the sector.
More salary data for Baltimore, MD:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make in Baltimore, MD in 2026?
Is Baltimore, MD a good place to work as a optometrist?
Can optometrists make $100K in Baltimore?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted optometrist salary in Baltimore?
How much does a optometrist make per hour in Baltimore?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Maryland
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 $144,270 for optometristsin the Baltimore 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-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