Optometrist Salary in Salem, MA: $149,322 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Salem, MA earns a median $149,322/year (≈ $71.79/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Salem's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $137,624 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.6% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Optometrists in Salem, Massachusetts, can expect a median annual salary of $149,322 in 2026, reflecting the area's growing demand for vision care professionals equipped with expanded scopes of practice that include glaucoma management, oral medications, and certain laser procedures. Salaries in this region range from $89,309 at the 10th percentile to as high as $221,274 for those at the 90th percentile. Such competitive compensation showcases the value placed on optometrists within the local healthcare framework. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional price parity, suggesting that employment opportunities in Salem MA are both lucrative and promising for qualified optometrists.
About the Salem Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($150,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $89,309 | $42.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $124,093 | $59.66 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $149,322 | $71.79 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $174,146 | $83.73 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $221,274 | $106.38 |
Median Salary Position
6.19% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Salem
In Salem, MA, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $131,965 (2026 est.). At $149,322, the local median is 6.19% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Salem: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Salem Optometrist Pay Compares
Salem median: $149,322/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Salem Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $154,898 | -3.60% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | +6.19% more |
Optometrists in Salem, MA earn a median of $149,322 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.19% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 3.60% below the Massachusetts state average of $154,898.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Salem has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Salem, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $149,322 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $137,624 — a 7.83% reduction.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$122,388
2025 BLS Actual
$145,029
2026 Current Est.
$149,322
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Salem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $122,388 | Actual |
| 2020 | $125,362 | Actual |
| 2021 | $131,999 | Actual |
| 2022 | $133,369 | Actual |
| 2023 | $140,027 | Actual |
| 2024 | $156,813 | Actual |
| 2025 | $145,029 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $149,322 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $153,742 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Salem metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $122,388 (2019) to $145,029 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $153,742 by 2027 — a total increase of $31,354 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Salem 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) | $89,309 – $124,093 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $124,093 – $149,322 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $149,322 – $174,146 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $174,146 – $221,274 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Salem
The job market in Salem is relatively limited, currently supporting only eight practicing optometrists, but this local density can create unique opportunities for professional growth. A cost-of-living index of 108.5 indicates that expenses are higher than the national average, setting the stage for meaningful discussions about salary negotiations and living standards. Among local employers, optometrists affiliated with private practices may experience higher pay compared to those in retail chains, particularly given the demand for specialized ocular disease training and residency pathways that enhance proficiency. The variation in pay stems from practice ownership dynamics and the potential for higher earnings in models that integrate surgical referrals with ophthalmology practices. To maximize earning potential in Salem’s market, it is advisable for practitioners to focus on continuing education, residency training, and exploring partnerships with ophthalmologists to enhance their value proposition.
More salary data for Salem, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make in Salem, MA in 2026?
Is Salem, MA a good place to work as a optometrist?
Can optometrists make $100K in Salem?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted optometrist salary in Salem?
How much does a optometrist make per hour in Salem?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Massachusetts
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 $145,029 for optometristsin the Salem 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 Salem 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