Optometrist Salary in Boston, MA: $159,557 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Boston, MA earns a median $159,557/year (≈ $76.72/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Boston's price level (8% above national, BEA RPP 108.3), that paycheck buys what $147,375 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.0% above the Massachusetts state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Boston, Massachusetts, optometrists are projected to earn a median annual salary of $159,557 in 2026, which places them well above the national median of $140,612. The salary range for these professionals varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting at around $98,615, while seasoned practitioners can reach up to $204,952. This data, derived from official BLS OEWS surveys, illustrates the lucrative opportunities available in the city, particularly for those participating in the OD/MD surgical co-management model that adds substantial revenue to their compensation. With an expanding market for optometric services, and an expected growth rate of 2.96% annually over the next five years, now is an advantageous time to consider a career in optometry if you're looking to practice in Boston.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $98,615 | $47.41 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $130,286 | $62.64 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $159,557 | $76.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $171,861 | $82.63 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $204,952 | $98.53 |
Median Salary Position
13.47% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Boston
In Boston, MA, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $106,337 (2026 est.). At $159,557, the local median is 13.47% above the national median of $140,612.
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How Boston Optometrist Pay Compares
Boston median: $159,557/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Boston Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $154,910 | +3.00% more |
| National Average | $140,612 | +13.47% more |
Optometrists in Boston, MA earn a median of $159,557 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.47% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 3.00% above the Massachusetts state average of $154,910.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Boston has a cost of living 8.27% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Boston, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.266 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $159,557 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $147,375 — a 7.63% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$124,200
2025 BLS Actual
$154,970
2026 Current Est.
$159,557
2019–2027 Growth
+32.3%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Boston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $124,200 | Actual |
| 2020 | $113,190 | Actual |
| 2021 | $128,020 | Actual |
| 2022 | $135,550 | Actual |
| 2023 | $144,920 | Actual |
| 2024 | $155,890 | Actual |
| 2025 | $154,970 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $159,557 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $164,280 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Boston metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 24.8% from $124,200 (2019) to $154,970 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $164,280 by 2027 — a total increase of $40,080 (32.27%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Boston 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) | $98,615 – $130,286 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $130,286 – $159,557 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $159,557 – $171,861 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $171,861 – $204,952 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Boston
The job market for optometrists in Boston is robust, with approximately 710 professionals currently employed in the area. However, the cost-of-living index at 108.266 indicates that living in this city can be more expensive than the national average, which can impact overall purchasing power for optometrists. Among employers, ophthalmology practices that utilize the OD/MD model often offer the highest salaries, benefiting from shared revenue in surgical referrals. Factors leading to the pay disparity include the equity tied to practice ownership, employment terms post-acquisition of formerly independent practices, and additional compensation linked to residency training in ocular disease or the VA pathway. For those aiming to maximize their optometrist pay in Boston, strategies such as seeking employment in specialty practices, engaging with ophthalmologists for collaborative care, or pursuing further residency training opportunities can be effective methods to boost earnings in this competitive market.
More salary data for Boston, 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 $154,970 for optometristsin the Boston 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
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