Optometrist Salary in Cambridge, MA: $155,747 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Cambridge, MA earns a median $155,747/year (≈ $74.88/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Cambridge's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $143,546 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.5% above the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Cambridge, Massachusetts, the 2026 median salary for optometrists is projected to be $155,747, significantly above the national average of $140,612. This reflects the financial realities faced by professionals in various practice settings, including those who own their practices, work as associates, or are employed by retail optometry chains. The salary range for optometrists in this area spans from $90,333 at the 10th percentile to $231,838 at the 90th percentile, offering a wide spectrum of earning potential that is influenced by practice ownership and the specifics of employment settings. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional price parities, illustrate the vibrant market for optometry in Cambridge, as demand continues to grow, particularly for those opting for the OD/MD model, which allows for enhanced collaboration with ophthalmologists in both surgical and medical settings.
About the Cambridge Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($150,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $90,333 | $43.43 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $119,631 | $57.51 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $155,747 | $74.88 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $188,888 | $90.81 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $231,838 | $111.46 |
Median Salary Position
10.76% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cambridge
In Cambridge, MA, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $141,505 (2026 est.). At $155,747, the local median is 10.76% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Cambridge: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Cambridge Optometrist Pay Compares
Cambridge median: $155,747/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Cambridge Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $154,972 | +0.50% more |
| National Average | $140,612 | +10.76% more |
Optometrists in Cambridge, MA earn a median of $155,747 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.76% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 0.50% above the Massachusetts state average of $154,972.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Cambridge has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Cambridge, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $155,747 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $143,546 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$127,654
2025 BLS Actual
$151,269
2026 Current Est.
$155,747
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Cambridge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $127,654 | Actual |
| 2020 | $130,756 | Actual |
| 2021 | $137,678 | Actual |
| 2022 | $139,107 | Actual |
| 2023 | $146,052 | Actual |
| 2024 | $160,452 | Actual |
| 2025 | $151,269 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $155,747 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $160,357 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Cambridge metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $127,654 (2019) to $151,269 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $160,357 by 2027 — a total increase of $32,703 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cambridge 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) | $90,333 – $119,631 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $119,631 – $155,747 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $155,747 – $188,888 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $188,888 – $231,838 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Cambridge
An analysis of the local job market indicates that there are currently 22 optometrists employed in Cambridge, a figure that illustrates a concentrated yet competitive scene for eye care professionals. The cost-of-living index in the city sits at 108.5, reflecting above-average living expenses that impact take-home pay. In terms of employer differentiation, private practices often yield higher salaries compared to retail chains like LensCrafters or Pearle Vision, particularly for those who have pursued residency training, which can command a premium in an evolving scope of practice that includes managing glaucoma and fitting patients with advanced ocular treatments. The variance between lower and higher salaries in this market largely stems from elements such as ownership stakes, which affect revenue sharing, and the nuances of employment terms that can change post-acquisition by private equity firms. For those seeking to maximize their optometrist pay in Cambridge, focusing on specialization, seeking out partnership opportunities, and considering practice ownership could be effective strategies for enhancing financial outcomes in this dynamic field.
More salary data for Cambridge, 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 $151,269 for optometristsin the Cambridge 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 Cambridge 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