Optometrist Salary in Northampton, MA: $152,923 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Northampton, MA earns a median $152,923/year (≈ $73.52/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Northampton's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $140,943 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.3% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Northampton, Massachusetts, the projected median annual salary for optometrists in 2026 is $152,923, placing it competitively above the national median of $140,612. This region shows a significant salary range, with figures indicating a range from $89,324 at the 10th percentile to $219,633 at the 90th percentile. These estimates, derived from BLS state-level data and regional cost adjustments, reflect diverse employment structures. Optometrists in Northampton find rewarding opportunities across ownership models including private practices, group practices, and retail chains, each presenting unique earning potentials. This variety influences how much do optometrists make in Northampton, with professional settings impacting earnings based on equity, practice size, and operational structure.
About the Northampton Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($150,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $89,324 | $42.94 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $125,834 | $60.50 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $152,923 | $73.52 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $182,785 | $87.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $219,633 | $105.60 |
Median Salary Position
8.76% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Northampton
In Northampton, MA, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $130,309 (2026 est.). At $152,923, the local median is 8.76% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Northampton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Northampton Optometrist Pay Compares
Northampton median: $152,923/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Northampton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $154,938 | -1.30% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | +8.76% more |
Optometrists in Northampton, MA earn a median of $152,923 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.76% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 1.30% below the Massachusetts state average of $154,938.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Northampton has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Northampton, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $152,923 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $140,943 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$125,340
2025 BLS Actual
$148,527
2026 Current Est.
$152,923
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Northampton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $125,340 | Actual |
| 2020 | $128,386 | Actual |
| 2021 | $135,183 | Actual |
| 2022 | $136,586 | Actual |
| 2023 | $143,405 | Actual |
| 2024 | $155,777 | Actual |
| 2025 | $148,527 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $152,923 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $157,450 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Northampton metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $125,340 (2019) to $148,527 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $157,450 by 2027 — a total increase of $32,110 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Northampton 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) | $89,324 – $125,834 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $125,834 – $152,923 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $152,923 – $182,785 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $182,785 – $219,633 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Northampton
Currently employing six optometrists, Northampton's job market maintains a stable environment for professionals in this field. The cost of living index at 108.5 suggests that while salaries are generally favorable, the local buying power is slightly higher than the national average. Among the local employers, traditional optometry practices may offer higher compensation compared to retail optical chains like LensCrafters or Walmart Vision, particularly for those with residency training or specialized skills. The divergence in pay can be attributed to factors such as the level of practice ownership, the collaborative model of working alongside ophthalmologists, and the specific terms for post-acquisition employment arrangements. Maximizing earnings in this competitive market may involve seeking further credentials, building robust patient relationships, and considering niche specialties that align with the evolving scope of practice in optometry.
More salary data for Northampton, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can optometrists make $100K in Northampton?
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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 $148,527 for optometristsin the Northampton 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 Northampton 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