Optometrist Salary in Massachusetts: $156,220 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Massachusetts's 59 metropolitan areas, the average median optometrist pay sits at $156,220/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 29-1041. Because Massachusetts sits at BEA RPP 108.5 (9% above the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $143,982 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Boston ($154,970), Lynn ($154,597), Barnstable Town ($154,290).
In 2026, the average median salary for optometrists in Massachusetts is projected to be $156,220, which is 11.1% higher than the national median of $140,612. This reflects the state's strong demand for eye care professionals. The highest-paying city in Massachusetts is Boston, where optometrists can expect to earn around $159,557, while Springfield offers the lowest average salary at $140,726, highlighting a salary gap of $18,831. This disparity is driven by factors such as the cost of living, demand for services, and local competition. Massachusetts has specific state licensing requirements and comprehensive scope of practice laws that allow optometrists to perform a wide range of procedures, which can enhance earning potential. The population's health consciousness and the aging demographic in the state further increase demand for eye care services. The job market for optometrists in Massachusetts is projected to grow at an annual rate of 2.96%, indicating a stable outlook for future employment opportunities. With a total of 1,497 optometrists employed across 59 metro areas, the profession remains crucial in meeting the vision care needs of the state's residents.
Massachusetts Optometrist Salary Range
Overall salary range in Massachusetts: $85,107 (lowest entry-level) to $239,838 (highest top earner)
Massachusetts vs National Average
Massachusetts optometrists earn 11.10% more than the national median (+$15,608/year difference).
Massachusetts Optometrist Salary Distribution (2026)
Optometrist salaries in Massachusetts range from $94,429 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $211,377 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $156,220. The Massachusetts median is $15,608 above the US national median of $140,612. The average hourly rate is $75.11/hr. Approximately 1,497 optometrists are employed across 59 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$123,589
2025 BLS Actual
$151,729
2026 Current Est.
$156,220
2019–2027 Growth
+30.1%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Massachusetts (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $123,589 | Actual |
| 2020 | $115,334 | Actual |
| 2021 | $127,087 | Actual |
| 2022 | $134,483 | Actual |
| 2023 | $144,350 | Actual |
| 2024 | $155,941 | Actual |
| 2025 | $151,729 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $156,220 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $160,844 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Massachusetts metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 22.8% from $123,589 (2019) to $151,729 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $160,844 by 2027 — a total increase of $37,255 (30.14%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Massachusetts 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.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in Massachusetts
Lowest Paying Cities in Massachusetts
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Springfield | $140,726 |
| Andover | $146,737 |
| Leominster | $147,097 |
| Wellesley | $147,230 |
| Chelmsford | $147,313 |
Best Value Cities for Optometrists in Massachusetts
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Massachusetts cities offer the most purchasing power for optometrists.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barnstable Town | $158,857 | 98.351 | $161,520 |
| Amherst Town | $154,975 | 100.243 | $154,599 |
| Worcester | $154,028 | 102.523 | $150,238 |
| Boston | $159,557 | 108.266 | $147,375 |
| Lynn | $159,173 | 108.5 | $146,703 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Massachusetts
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $94,429 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $156,220 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $211,377 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Massachusetts metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 59 Cities in Massachusetts
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Boston | $159,557 |
| 2 | Lynn | $159,173 |
| 3 | Barnstable Town | $158,857 |
| 4 | Newton | $158,274 |
| 5 | Somerville | $157,089 |
| 6 | Revere | $156,844 |
| 7 | Brockton | $156,306 |
| 8 | New Bedford | $156,131 |
| 9 | Plymouth | $156,034 |
| 10 | Cambridge | $155,747 |
| 11 | Malden | $155,470 |
| 12 | Haverhill | $155,445 |
| 13 | Lowell | $155,405 |
| 14 | Framingham | $155,335 |
| 15 | Peabody | $155,126 |
| 16 | Amherst Town | $154,975 |
| 17 | Weymouth | $154,659 |
| 18 | Chicopee | $154,193 |
| 19 | Worcester | $154,028 |
| 20 | Randolph | $154,024 |
| 21 | Quincy | $153,751 |
| 22 | Amherst | $153,567 |
| 23 | Chelsea | $153,556 |
| 24 | Medford | $153,138 |
| 25 | Fall River | $152,990 |
| 26 | Marlborough | $152,990 |
| 27 | Watertown | $152,966 |
| 28 | Northampton | $152,923 |
| 29 | Pittsfield | $152,858 |
| 30 | Fitchburg | $152,845 |
| 31 | Methuen | $152,787 |
| 32 | Taunton | $152,720 |
| 33 | Arlington | $152,665 |
| 34 | Needham | $152,269 |
| 35 | Westfield | $152,197 |
| 36 | Everett | $152,172 |
| 37 | Holyoke | $151,390 |
| 38 | Beverly | $151,138 |
| 39 | Lawrence | $151,136 |
| 40 | Dartmouth | $150,958 |
| 41 | Waltham | $150,806 |
| 42 | Barnstable | $150,645 |
| 43 | Brookline | $150,314 |
| 44 | Billerica | $150,080 |
| 45 | Braintree | $149,574 |
| 46 | Salem | $149,322 |
| 47 | Natick | $149,226 |
| 48 | Dracut | $148,444 |
| 49 | Lexington | $148,348 |
| 50 | Stoughton | $148,348 |
| 51 | Shrewsbury | $148,155 |
| 52 | Franklin | $147,759 |
| 53 | Attleboro | $147,638 |
| 54 | Woburn | $147,446 |
| 55 | Chelmsford | $147,313 |
| 56 | Wellesley | $147,230 |
| 57 | Leominster | $147,097 |
| 58 | Andover | $146,737 |
| 59 | Springfield | $140,726 |
More Massachusetts Salary Data
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced optometrists.
Compare Cities in Massachusetts
View all comparisons →Explore More Optometrist Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make in Massachusetts in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for optometrists in Massachusetts?
How does Massachusetts optometrist pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level optometrist salary in Massachusetts?
How many optometrists are employed in Massachusetts?
Which Massachusetts city offers the best value for optometrists?
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
Statewide 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. A 2.96% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 optometrist compensation across Massachusetts. State averages are employment-weighted across 59 metro areas — larger metro areas with more optometristscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
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