Optometrist Salary in Laurel, MD: $145,996 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Laurel, MD earns a median $145,996/year (≈ $70.19/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Laurel's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 109.3), that paycheck buys what $133,574 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.0% below the Maryland state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the optometrist salary in Laurel, Maryland, is projected to reach a median of $145,996, outpacing the national average of $140,612 by approximately 3.83%. Salaries for optometrists in this region range from $84,677 at the 10th percentile up to $212,381 for those in the 90th percentile. These figures account for local economic factors and reflect estimates derived from BLS state-level data along with regional price adjustments. The opportunity for optometrists in Laurel is further enhanced by the prevalence of OD/MD surgical co-management, which can boost overall revenue through surgical referral agreements. As such, the local job market is conducive to competitive compensation, making it an attractive area for optometry professionals.
About the Laurel Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($145,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $84,677 | $40.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $118,810 | $57.12 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $145,996 | $70.19 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $176,589 | $84.90 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $212,381 | $102.11 |
Median Salary Position
3.83% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Laurel
In Laurel, MD, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $127,704 (2026 est.). At $145,996, the local median is 3.83% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Laurel: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Laurel Optometrist Pay Compares
Laurel median: $145,996/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Laurel Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland Average | $153,680 | -5.00% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | +3.83% more |
Optometrists in Laurel, MD earn a median of $145,996 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.83% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 5.00% below the Maryland state average of $153,680.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Laurel has a cost of living 9.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Laurel, MD has a cost-of-living index of 109.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $145,996 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $133,574 — a 8.51% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$119,663
2025 BLS Actual
$141,799
2026 Current Est.
$145,996
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Laurel (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $119,663 | Actual |
| 2020 | $122,570 | Actual |
| 2021 | $129,059 | Actual |
| 2022 | $130,399 | Actual |
| 2023 | $136,909 | Actual |
| 2024 | $150,551 | Actual |
| 2025 | $141,799 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $145,996 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $150,318 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Laurel metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $119,663 (2019) to $141,799 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $150,318 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,655 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Laurel 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) | $84,677 – $118,810 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $118,810 – $145,996 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $145,996 – $176,589 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $176,589 – $212,381 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Laurel
With only six optometrists currently employed in Laurel, the local job market is relatively small yet focused, emphasizing the need for strategic positioning within this niche. The cost-of-living index stands at 109.3, indicating that while salaries may be slightly higher than the national average, the purchasing power of optometrists in Laurel can be impacted by regional expenses. Those who work in private optometry practices, particularly those with partnerships or ownership stakes, often report the highest earnings, in addition to those participating in OD/MD models alongside ophthalmologists. Specializing in ocular disease through residency training can also lead to elevated pay. To maximize earning potential, optometrists in Laurel should consider building relationships with local ophthalmology groups and embracing new technologies or expanding their scope of practice, such as glaucoma management or minor procedures, which may enhance their value in an evolving healthcare environment.
More salary data for Laurel, 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 $141,799 for optometristsin the Laurel 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 Laurel 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