Optometrist Salary in Salisbury, MD: $149,478 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Salisbury, MD earns a median $149,478/year (≈ $71.87/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Salisbury's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 109.3), that paycheck buys what $136,759 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.7% below the Maryland state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Salisbury, MD, the projected median annual optometrist salary for 2026 is estimated at $149,478, reflecting a competitive position that is approximately 6.31% higher than the national median of $140,612. The salary range for optometrists varies significantly, with the lower end at $86,697 (P10) and the upper end reaching $218,931 (P90). These figures are tailored to account for local economic conditions, including the increased cost of living in the area, which has a cost-of-living index of 109.3, indicating a burden on take-home purchasing power. Given Maryland's expansive scope of practice that includes glaucoma management, oral medications, and select laser procedures, the demand for optometrists in Salisbury is growing, pointing to a robust job market for those looking to practice in this region.
About the Salisbury Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($145,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $86,697 | $41.68 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $125,897 | $60.53 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $149,478 | $71.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $181,593 | $87.30 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $218,931 | $105.26 |
Median Salary Position
6.31% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Salisbury
In Salisbury, MD, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $132,234 (2026 est.). At $149,478, the local median is 6.31% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Salisbury: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Salisbury Optometrist Pay Compares
Salisbury median: $149,478/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Salisbury Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland Average | $153,626 | -2.70% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | +6.31% more |
Optometrists in Salisbury, MD earn a median of $149,478 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.31% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 2.70% below the Maryland state average of $153,626.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Salisbury has a cost of living 9.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Salisbury, MD has a cost-of-living index of 109.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $149,478 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $136,759 — a 8.51% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$122,517
2025 BLS Actual
$145,181
2026 Current Est.
$149,478
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Salisbury (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $122,517 | Actual |
| 2020 | $125,493 | Actual |
| 2021 | $117,060 | Actual |
| 2022 | $121,210 | Actual |
| 2023 | $141,020 | Actual |
| 2024 | $154,142 | Actual |
| 2025 | $145,181 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $149,478 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $153,903 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Salisbury metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $122,517 (2019) to $145,181 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $153,903 by 2027 — a total increase of $31,386 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Salisbury 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) | $86,697 – $125,897 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $125,897 – $149,478 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $149,478 – $181,593 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $181,593 – $218,931 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Salisbury
The optometrist job market in Salisbury is characterized by a small but stable group of six practitioners, creating an environment where competition for top salaries can be less fierce compared to larger cities. However, the cost of living does pressure the purchasing power of these salaries, and an understanding of the local landscape can aid in maximizing earnings. Notably, optometrists in private practices tend to earn more than those in retail chains like LensCrafters or Pearle Vision, particularly if they possess residency training, which can command a pay premium. Key factors influencing salary variances include practice ownership equity and the integration of ocular disease management alongside ophthalmological partners, which allows for potential referral revenue. For those looking to enhance their optometrist pay in Salisbury MD, pursuing advanced training or seeking roles in higher-paying medical settings, as well as considering the business structure, will be essential strategies in capitalizing on the opportunities within the community.
More salary data for Salisbury, 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 $145,181 for optometristsin the Salisbury 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 Salisbury 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