Optometrist Salary in Bethesda, MD: $148,446 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Bethesda, MD earns a median $148,446/year (≈ $71.37/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Bethesda's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 109.3), that paycheck buys what $135,815 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.4% below the Maryland state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bethesda, Maryland, the landscape for optometrist compensation reflects the evolving practice dynamics of the field, where the 2026 median annual salary is projected to reach $148,446. This figure positions local optometrists slightly above the national median of $140,612, indicating a competitive pay environment. The salary range for optometrists in the area spans from $86,098 at the 10th percentile to $221,911 at the 90th percentile, suggesting the potential for significant earnings based on experience and practice setting. Estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and regional cost adjustments underscore a market where advancements in scope of practice — particularly in glaucoma management and the prescription of oral medications — contribute to higher salary expectations, reflecting their enhanced responsibilities in providing comprehensive eye care.
About the Bethesda Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($145,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $86,098 | $41.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $118,322 | $56.89 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $148,446 | $71.37 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $181,424 | $87.23 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $221,911 | $106.69 |
Median Salary Position
5.57% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bethesda
In Bethesda, MD, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $135,813 (2026 est.). At $148,446, the local median is 5.57% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Bethesda: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Bethesda Optometrist Pay Compares
Bethesda median: $148,446/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bethesda Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland Average | $153,670 | -3.40% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | +5.57% more |
Optometrists in Bethesda, MD earn a median of $148,446 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.57% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 3.40% below the Maryland state average of $153,670.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bethesda has a cost of living 9.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bethesda, MD has a cost-of-living index of 109.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $148,446 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $135,815 — a 8.51% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$121,670
2025 BLS Actual
$144,178
2026 Current Est.
$148,446
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Bethesda (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $121,670 | Actual |
| 2020 | $124,626 | Actual |
| 2021 | $131,224 | Actual |
| 2022 | $132,586 | Actual |
| 2023 | $139,206 | Actual |
| 2024 | $153,078 | Actual |
| 2025 | $144,178 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $148,446 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $152,840 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bethesda metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $121,670 (2019) to $144,178 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $152,840 by 2027 — a total increase of $31,170 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bethesda 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) | $86,098 – $118,322 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $118,322 – $148,446 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $148,446 – $181,424 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $181,424 – $221,911 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Bethesda
Examining the local job market, Bethesda has a modest count of 18 optometrists, a figure that indicates a selective and possibly saturated employment environment. The local cost-of-living index stands at 109.3, highlighting a reality where take-home pay may be less impactful on lifestyle due to elevated living costs. Optometrists in Bethesda MD often find the most lucrative positions within private practices and ophthalmology clinics, especially those that incorporate OD/MD models, which can leverage surgical referral income. The disparity between lower and higher salaries in the area often results from various factors, including ownership equity in practices, the financial opportunities tied to working with specialized residency training in ocular disease, and employment structures that vary significantly between private and corporate settings. To maximize earnings in this market, aspiring optometrists should consider aligning with practices that allow for growth in ownership potential and remain informed about shifts in practice management resulting from recent consolidations in the optometry field.
More salary data for Bethesda, MD:
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 $144,178 for optometristsin the Bethesda 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 Bethesda 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