Optometrist Salary in Malden, MA: $155,470 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Malden, MA earns a median $155,470/year (≈ $74.75/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Malden's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $143,290 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.3% above the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Optometrists in Malden, MA, can expect a median annual salary of $155,470 in 2026, reflecting a competitive market compared to the national median of $140,612. The salary range offers substantial variation, with entry-level positions starting around $90,172 and seasoned professionals potentially earning as much as $228,579. These figures derive from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and regional cost adjustments, highlighting the importance of selecting the right practice structure in this area. Job seekers considering Malden should account for factors like autonomy versus employed roles, as ownership often leads to higher income potential and operational flexibility.
About the Malden Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($150,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $90,172 | $43.36 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $121,622 | $58.47 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $155,470 | $74.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $187,709 | $90.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $228,579 | $109.89 |
Median Salary Position
10.57% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Malden
In Malden, MA, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $138,407 (2026 est.). At $155,470, the local median is 10.57% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Malden: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Malden Optometrist Pay Compares
Malden median: $155,470/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Malden Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $155,005 | +0.30% more |
| National Average | $140,612 | +10.57% more |
Optometrists in Malden, MA earn a median of $155,470 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.57% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 0.30% above the Massachusetts state average of $155,005.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Malden has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Malden, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $155,470 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $143,290 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$127,427
2025 BLS Actual
$151,000
2026 Current Est.
$155,470
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Malden (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $127,427 | Actual |
| 2020 | $130,523 | Actual |
| 2021 | $137,434 | Actual |
| 2022 | $138,860 | Actual |
| 2023 | $145,792 | Actual |
| 2024 | $163,269 | Actual |
| 2025 | $151,000 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $155,470 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $160,072 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Malden metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $127,427 (2019) to $151,000 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $160,072 by 2027 — a total increase of $32,645 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Malden 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) | $90,172 – $121,622 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $121,622 – $155,470 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $155,470 – $187,709 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $187,709 – $228,579 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Malden
With only 15 optometrists currently employed in Malden, the local job market presents unique opportunities and challenges. The area's cost-of-living index sits at 108.5, suggesting that while pay rates are comparatively higher, take-home purchasing power may be affected, requiring careful financial planning. Among the employers in the region, private optometry practices may offer the highest compensation, especially for those with specialized training or experience in collaborative models alongside ophthalmologists. High-paying roles are often linked to private equity-acquired practices or specialists with residency training, as these positions frequently share in referral revenues. To maximize optometrist pay in Malden MA, individuals should strategically target practice ownership roles, consider partnerships, and enhance their qualifications through advanced training in areas like ocular disease management.
More salary data for Malden, 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 $151,000 for optometristsin the Malden 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 Malden 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