Optometrist Salary in Hagerstown, MD: $148,643 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Hagerstown, MD earns a median $148,643/year (≈ $71.46/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Hagerstown's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 109.3), that paycheck buys what $135,995 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.3% below the Maryland state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For optometrists considering their career options in Hagerstown, Maryland, the local market offers compelling compensation opportunities as of 2026. The projected median annual salary rests at $148,643, slightly above the national median of $140,612. Salaries in Hagerstown span from $86,214 at the P10 level to $216,462 at the P90 level, reflecting a diverse array of practice settings. The choice between practice ownership, employed positions, or working with retail chains such as Walmart Vision or Visionworks significantly impacts earnings potential. These variations underscore the importance of selecting a practice structure that aligns with financial goals and lifestyle preferences while navigating the local job market.
About the Hagerstown Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($145,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $86,214 | $41.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $120,877 | $58.11 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $148,643 | $71.46 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $179,482 | $86.29 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $216,462 | $104.07 |
Median Salary Position
5.71% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hagerstown
In Hagerstown, MD, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $130,248 (2026 est.). At $148,643, the local median is 5.71% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Hagerstown: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Hagerstown Optometrist Pay Compares
Hagerstown median: $148,643/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Hagerstown Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland Average | $153,716 | -3.30% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | +5.71% more |
Optometrists in Hagerstown, MD earn a median of $148,643 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.71% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 3.30% below the Maryland state average of $153,716.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Hagerstown has a cost of living 9.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Hagerstown, MD has a cost-of-living index of 109.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $148,643 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $135,995 — a 8.51% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$128,700
2025 BLS Actual
$144,370
2026 Current Est.
$148,643
2019–2027 Growth
+18.9%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Hagerstown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $128,700 | Actual |
| 2020 | $136,190 | Actual |
| 2021 | $131,399 | Actual |
| 2022 | $138,920 | Actual |
| 2023 | $235,480 | Actual |
| 2024 | $153,282 | Actual |
| 2025 | $144,370 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $148,643 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $153,043 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hagerstown metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 12.2% from $128,700 (2019) to $144,370 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $153,043 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,343 (18.91%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hagerstown 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) | $86,214 – $120,877 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $120,877 – $148,643 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $148,643 – $179,482 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $179,482 – $216,462 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Hagerstown
Analyzing the optometrist pay in Hagerstown, MD reveals some intriguing dynamics within the local job market. Currently, there are six optometrists employed in the area, providing a tight-knit professional community. However, Hagerstown’s cost of living index at 109.3 means that salaries, while competitive, must be weighed against living expenses. Those working for private optometry practices typically earn more compared to their counterparts in retail optical chains. Practicing with an ophthalmologist in an OD/MD model can also offer financial advantages through shared revenue from surgical referrals. Additionally, residency-trained optometrists, particularly those specializing in ocular disease, command higher salaries. To maximize earning potential in this specific market, new graduates should consider gaining experience in diverse practice settings and remain adaptable to the evolving healthcare landscape shaped by expanding scopes of practice and private equity influences.
More salary data for Hagerstown, 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 $144,370 for optometristsin the Hagerstown 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 Hagerstown 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