Optometrist Salary in Dartmouth, MA: $150,958 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Dartmouth, MA earns a median $150,958/year (≈ $72.58/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Dartmouth's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $139,132 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.6% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, optometrists in Dartmouth, Massachusetts, can expect an annual median salary of $150,958, which is notably higher than the projected national median of $140,612, reflecting a 7.36% premium. The salary range for this occupation varies significantly, with entry-level positions receiving around $87,555, while those at the higher end can earn up to $221,543. These figures are informed by local estimates derived from 2025 BLS data with adjustments for regional cost of living factors. Dartmouth's competitive job market, boosted by the expanding scope of practice—encompassing glaucoma management, oral medications, and laser procedures—plays a role in shaping these compensation levels for the profession.
About the Dartmouth Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($150,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $87,555 | $42.09 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $118,227 | $56.84 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $150,958 | $72.58 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $183,775 | $88.35 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $221,543 | $106.51 |
Median Salary Position
7.36% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Dartmouth
In Dartmouth, MA, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $133,988 (2026 est.). At $150,958, the local median is 7.36% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Dartmouth: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Dartmouth Optometrist Pay Compares
Dartmouth median: $150,958/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Dartmouth Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $154,988 | -2.60% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | +7.36% more |
Optometrists in Dartmouth, MA earn a median of $150,958 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.36% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 2.60% below the Massachusetts state average of $154,988.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Dartmouth has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Dartmouth, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $150,958 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $139,132 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$123,729
2025 BLS Actual
$146,618
2026 Current Est.
$150,958
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Dartmouth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $123,729 | Actual |
| 2020 | $126,735 | Actual |
| 2021 | $133,445 | Actual |
| 2022 | $134,830 | Actual |
| 2023 | $141,561 | Actual |
| 2024 | $158,531 | Actual |
| 2025 | $146,618 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $150,958 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $155,426 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Dartmouth metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $123,729 (2019) to $146,618 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $155,426 by 2027 — a total increase of $31,697 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dartmouth 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) | $87,555 – $118,227 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $118,227 – $150,958 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $150,958 – $183,775 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $183,775 – $221,543 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Dartmouth
Examining the local job market reveals that only five optometrists are currently employed in Dartmouth, suggesting both niche opportunities and high competition within this landscape. The cost of living index stands at 108.5, indicating that expenses are above the national average, which can complicate take-home pay. Among various employers, private optometry practices tend to offer more favorable compensation compared to retail optical chains like LensCrafters or Walmart Vision. The disparity between low and high pay often stems from factors like practice ownership equity and residency training, particularly in ocular disease and pathways through the VA system. For aspiring optometrists hoping to maximize their earnings in Dartmouth, pursuing residency training and aligning with practices offering OD/MD models could be advantageous strategies in an ever-evolving healthcare environment.
More salary data for Dartmouth, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can optometrists make $100K in Dartmouth?
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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 $146,618 for optometristsin the Dartmouth 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 Dartmouth 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