Optometrist Salary in Newton, MA: $158,274 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Newton, MA earns a median $158,274/year (≈ $76.10/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Newton's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $145,875 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.1% above the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For optometrists in Newton, Massachusetts, the projected 2026 median salary stands at $158,274, significantly above the national average of $140,612. The pay scale ranges from $91,799 at the lower tenth percentile to a remarkable $235,996 at the top, reflecting both the competitive job market and varying employer structures. Optometrists in this area can choose between private practice ownership, associate positions, or employment with retail optical chains. This diversity in practice models influences earnings potential, with ownership often leading to higher compensation due to the equity involved. As the demand for optometric services continues to expand, particularly with the growing scope of practice, professionals in Newton can expect a robust market with various opportunities tailored to their career preferences.
About the Newton Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($150,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $91,799 | $44.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $125,791 | $60.48 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $158,274 | $76.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $193,071 | $92.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $235,996 | $113.46 |
Median Salary Position
12.56% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Newton
In Newton, MA, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $144,197 (2026 est.). At $158,274, the local median is 12.56% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Newton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Newton Optometrist Pay Compares
Newton median: $158,274/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Newton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $155,019 | +2.10% more |
| National Average | $140,612 | +12.56% more |
Optometrists in Newton, MA earn a median of $158,274 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.56% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 2.10% above the Massachusetts state average of $155,019.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Newton has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Newton, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $158,274 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $145,875 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$129,726
2025 BLS Actual
$153,724
2026 Current Est.
$158,274
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Newton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $129,726 | Actual |
| 2020 | $132,878 | Actual |
| 2021 | $139,913 | Actual |
| 2022 | $141,365 | Actual |
| 2023 | $148,422 | Actual |
| 2024 | $159,827 | Actual |
| 2025 | $153,724 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $158,274 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $162,959 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Newton metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $129,726 (2019) to $153,724 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $162,959 by 2027 — a total increase of $33,233 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Newton 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) | $91,799 – $125,791 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $125,791 – $158,274 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $158,274 – $193,071 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $193,071 – $235,996 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Newton
Among the sixteen optometrists currently employed in Newton, MA, the cost of living index, which is at 108.5, suggests that while salaries are high, the purchasing power of take-home pay is slightly eroded compared to the national average. In terms of compensation, private optometry practices and OD/MD models tend to offer the highest salaries, capitalizing on referral revenue and the ability to manage more complex cases. Conversely, retail optical chains may provide steadier, but often lower, income levels. The pay variance is driven by several factors, including practice ownership, specialization in ocular disease, and the presence of private equity investment post-acquisition. For those looking to maximize their earnings, pursuing residency training, fostering strong connections with local ophthalmology practices, and staying informed about the evolving regulatory landscape regarding optometry can provide significant advantages in this competitive market.
More salary data for Newton, 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 $153,724 for optometristsin the Newton 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 Newton 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