Optometrist Salary in Billerica, MA: $150,080 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Billerica, MA earns a median $150,080/year (≈ $72.15/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Billerica's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $138,323 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.2% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Billerica, Massachusetts, the projected annual compensation for optometrists reflects a growing and competitive market, with a median salary of $150,080 in 2026. This figure represents a notable 6.73% increase compared to the national median of $140,612, showcasing Billerica's strength as an attractive location for the profession. The salary range for optometrists in the area is quite extensive, spanning from $87,047 at the lower end to $218,927 for those at the higher echelons of the field. These estimates are based on 2025 BLS data projected for 2026 and take into account regional cost adjustments that influence how much do optometrists make in Billerica. The scope of practice in Massachusetts, which includes advanced procedures like glaucoma management and certain laser therapies, adds a layer of complexity to compensation as well as career opportunities in both private practices and integrated healthcare settings.
About the Billerica Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($150,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $87,047 | $41.85 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $125,614 | $60.40 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $150,080 | $72.15 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $181,443 | $87.23 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $218,927 | $105.26 |
Median Salary Position
6.73% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Billerica
In Billerica, MA, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $131,880 (2026 est.). At $150,080, the local median is 6.73% above the national median of $140,612.
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At 40 hours/week in Billerica: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Billerica Optometrist Pay Compares
Billerica median: $150,080/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Billerica Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $155,041 | -3.20% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | +6.73% more |
Optometrists in Billerica, MA earn a median of $150,080 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.73% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 3.20% below the Massachusetts state average of $155,041.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Billerica has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Billerica, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $150,080 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $138,323 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$123,010
2025 BLS Actual
$145,765
2026 Current Est.
$150,080
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Billerica (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $123,010 | Actual |
| 2020 | $125,998 | Actual |
| 2021 | $132,669 | Actual |
| 2022 | $134,046 | Actual |
| 2023 | $140,738 | Actual |
| 2024 | $157,609 | Actual |
| 2025 | $145,765 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $150,080 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $154,522 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Billerica metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $123,010 (2019) to $145,765 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $154,522 by 2027 — a total increase of $31,512 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Billerica 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) | $87,047 – $125,614 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $125,614 – $150,080 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $150,080 – $181,443 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $181,443 – $218,927 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Billerica
The job market for optometrists in Billerica is relatively small, with only seven professionals actively practicing in the area. However, they are met with a cost of living index of 108.5, which slightly exceeds the national average, impacting take-home pay and overall earning potential. Among local employers, private optometry practices often offer the highest wages, especially those with ownership opportunities, as they can share in the practice's profitability. In contrast, retail optical chains typically present more stable but lower compensation packages. The disparity in optometrist pay in Billerica arises from several factors: practice ownership, collaboration with ophthalmologists under the OD/MD model, and the demand for residency-trained candidates, particularly in ocular disease specialties. For those seeking to maximize their earnings, exploring avenues for ownership, considering employment at higher-paying private practices, and acquiring relevant residency training can significantly enhance their financial outlook in this market.
More salary data for Billerica, MA:
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 $145,765 for optometristsin the Billerica 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 Billerica 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