Optometrist Salary in Natick, MA: $149,226 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Natick, MA earns a median $149,226/year (≈ $71.74/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Natick's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $137,535 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.7% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, optometrists in Natick, Massachusetts are projected to earn a median annual salary of $149,226, reflecting a competitive landscape for eye care professionals. This figure surpasses the national median of $140,612 by approximately 6.13%. With a salary range spanning from $89,094 for the lowest earners (P10) to $220,947 for those at the top (P90), local estimates derived from BLS state-level data indicate that optometry practice, particularly those incorporating an OD/MD model for surgical co-management, significantly contributes to elevated compensation. In addition, the growing demand for optometrists, fueled by expanding scope-of-practice regulations in many states, reinforces the attractiveness of Natick's job market.
About the Natick Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($150,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $89,094 | $42.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $123,896 | $59.56 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $149,226 | $71.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $173,921 | $83.61 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $220,947 | $106.22 |
Median Salary Position
6.13% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Natick
In Natick, MA, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $131,853 (2026 est.). At $149,226, the local median is 6.13% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Natick: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Natick Optometrist Pay Compares
Natick median: $149,226/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Natick Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $154,960 | -3.70% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | +6.13% more |
Optometrists in Natick, MA earn a median of $149,226 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.13% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 3.70% below the Massachusetts state average of $154,960.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Natick has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Natick, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $149,226 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $137,535 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$122,310
2025 BLS Actual
$144,936
2026 Current Est.
$149,226
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Natick (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $122,310 | Actual |
| 2020 | $125,282 | Actual |
| 2021 | $131,914 | Actual |
| 2022 | $133,283 | Actual |
| 2023 | $139,937 | Actual |
| 2024 | $156,712 | Actual |
| 2025 | $144,936 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $149,226 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $153,643 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Natick metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $122,310 (2019) to $144,936 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $153,643 by 2027 — a total increase of $31,333 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Natick 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) | $89,094 – $123,896 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $123,896 – $149,226 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $149,226 – $173,921 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $173,921 – $220,947 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Natick
With only five optometrists currently practicing in Natick, the local job market is relatively niche, which may provide opportunities for growth and specialization. The cost of living index sits at 108.5, suggesting that while salaries are higher than the national average, the purchasing power could be affected by local living expenses. Employers in the area that top the pay scale typically include private ophthalmology practices, especially those utilizing the OD/MD model, which combines optometric and surgical services. Furthermore, the compensation differences reflect factors such as practice ownership equity, the influence of residency training, and the terms of employment with private equity-owned practices. To maximize earnings in Natick's optometry market, professionals should consider residency programs, seek ownership opportunities, or align with high-paying ophthalmology practices, thereby enhancing their earning potential amid a dynamic healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Natick, 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 $144,936 for optometristsin the Natick 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 Natick 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