Optometrist Salary in Chelmsford, MA: $147,313 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Chelmsford, MA earns a median $147,313/year (≈ $70.83/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Chelmsford's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $135,772 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.9% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Chelmsford, Massachusetts, the projected median annual salary for optometrists in 2026 is $147,313, which reflects a 4.77% increase above the national median of $140,612. The salary range varies significantly, from $85,441 at the 10th percentile to $214,846 at the 90th percentile, indicating ample opportunities for varying compensation based on different practice models. The local data, derived from BLS state-level estimates and adjusted for regional cost differentials, highlights the earnings potential in Chelmsford. With the choice between private ownership, employed associate roles, and retail optical chains, practitioners can navigate economic factors and healthcare trends to find their niche in this market.
About the Chelmsford Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($150,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $85,441 | $41.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $119,996 | $57.69 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $147,313 | $70.83 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $178,070 | $85.61 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $214,846 | $103.29 |
Median Salary Position
4.77% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chelmsford
In Chelmsford, MA, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $129,405 (2026 est.). At $147,313, the local median is 4.77% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Chelmsford: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Chelmsford Optometrist Pay Compares
Chelmsford median: $147,313/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chelmsford Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $154,903 | -4.90% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | +4.77% more |
Optometrists in Chelmsford, MA earn a median of $147,313 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.77% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 4.90% below the Massachusetts state average of $154,903.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chelmsford has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Chelmsford, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $147,313 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $135,772 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$120,742
2025 BLS Actual
$143,078
2026 Current Est.
$147,313
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Chelmsford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $120,742 | Actual |
| 2020 | $123,675 | Actual |
| 2021 | $130,223 | Actual |
| 2022 | $131,575 | Actual |
| 2023 | $138,144 | Actual |
| 2024 | $154,704 | Actual |
| 2025 | $143,078 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $147,313 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $151,674 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chelmsford metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $120,742 (2019) to $143,078 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $151,674 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,932 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chelmsford 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) | $85,441 – $119,996 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $119,996 – $147,313 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $147,313 – $178,070 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $178,070 – $214,846 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Chelmsford
Despite a modest number of optometrists—only eight currently employed in Chelmsford—the job market shows resilience, particularly as the cost of living index stands at 108.5, slightly above the national average. This surplus impacts take-home pay, making salary negotiations vital for maintaining quality of life. Among local employers, private practices generally provide the highest compensation, especially for those with residency training or who operate under the OD/MD model that collaborates closely with ophthalmologists. In contrast, retail chains may offer lower initial pay but can present operational stability. Those seeking to maximize their earnings should consider residency training, expanding their scope of practice, and staying informed about market shifts, particularly as consolidation trends reshape the local optometric landscape.
More salary data for Chelmsford, 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 $143,078 for optometristsin the Chelmsford 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 Chelmsford 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