Optometrist Salary in Chelsea, MA: $153,556 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Chelsea, MA earns a median $153,556/year (≈ $73.82/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Chelsea's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $141,526 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Chelsea, MA, optometrists are projected to earn a median annual salary of $153,556 in 2026, reflecting a competitive market that slightly outpaces the national median of $140,612. The salary range for optometrists in this city spans from $89,062 at the 10th percentile to a maximum of $215,609 at the 90th percentile, showcasing a robust earning potential for seasoned professionals. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data, adjusted for local cost factors, highlight the attractive compensation likely due to the state’s expanded scope of practice, which includes glaucoma management, prescription of oral medications, and in some cases, laser procedures. Given the small number of optometrists currently employed in Chelsea, this field presents significant opportunities for growth and job security.
About the Chelsea Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($150,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $89,062 | $42.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $123,494 | $59.38 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $153,556 | $73.82 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $180,883 | $86.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $215,609 | $103.66 |
Median Salary Position
9.21% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chelsea
In Chelsea, MA, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $126,547 (2026 est.). At $153,556, the local median is 9.21% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Chelsea: You'd be above the median
How Chelsea Optometrist Pay Compares
Chelsea median: $153,556/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chelsea Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $154,950 | -0.90% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | +9.21% more |
Optometrists in Chelsea, MA earn a median of $153,556 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.21% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 0.90% below the Massachusetts state average of $154,950.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chelsea has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Chelsea, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $153,556 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $141,526 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$125,859
2025 BLS Actual
$149,141
2026 Current Est.
$153,556
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Chelsea (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $125,859 | Actual |
| 2020 | $128,916 | Actual |
| 2021 | $135,742 | Actual |
| 2022 | $137,150 | Actual |
| 2023 | $143,997 | Actual |
| 2024 | $161,258 | Actual |
| 2025 | $149,141 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $153,556 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $158,101 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chelsea metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $125,859 (2019) to $149,141 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $158,101 by 2027 — a total increase of $32,242 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chelsea 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) | $89,062 – $123,494 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $123,494 – $153,556 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $153,556 – $180,883 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $180,883 – $215,609 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Chelsea
Local market dynamics influence how much optometrists make in Chelsea, with only six professionals currently in the area and a cost-of-living index of 108.5 that suggests a higher living expense relative to the national average. Employers providing the highest salaries often include private optometry practices and ophthalmology centers, where optometrists may enjoy additional compensation through surgical referral revenue sharing. The disparity in pay stems from various factors, including practice ownership, the employment model (such as working closely with ophthalmologists), and additional training in ocular disease. For those looking to maximize their optometrist pay in Chelsea, building a network within the community, considering practice ownership, and pursuing residency training can significantly enhance career prospects and earning potential in this evolving field.
More salary data for Chelsea, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 $149,141 for optometristsin the Chelsea 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 Chelsea 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