Optometrist Salary in Shrewsbury, MA: $148,155 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Shrewsbury, MA earns a median $148,155/year (≈ $71.23/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Shrewsbury's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $136,548 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.4% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, the projected optometrist salary in 2026 is $148,155, which is about 5.36% higher than the national median of $140,612. This competitive pay reflects the expanding scope of practice for optometrists in the state, including glaucoma management and the prescription of oral medications. In terms of compensation, the salary range for optometrists in this area varies significantly, from $86,871 at the lower 10th percentile to as much as $217,683 for those at the 90th percentile. These figures, based on 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, highlight Shrewsbury's robust job market for eyecare professionals, coupled with the local adjustment for cost of living, which stands at an index of 108.5, slightly above the national average.
About the Shrewsbury Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($150,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $86,871 | $41.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $121,694 | $58.50 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $148,155 | $71.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $180,069 | $86.57 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $217,683 | $104.66 |
Median Salary Position
5.36% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Shrewsbury
In Shrewsbury, MA, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $130,812 (2026 est.). At $148,155, the local median is 5.36% above the national median of $140,612.
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How Shrewsbury Optometrist Pay Compares
Shrewsbury median: $148,155/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Shrewsbury Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $154,974 | -4.40% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | +5.36% more |
Optometrists in Shrewsbury, MA earn a median of $148,155 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.36% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 4.40% below the Massachusetts state average of $154,974.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Shrewsbury has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Shrewsbury, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $148,155 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $136,548 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$121,432
2025 BLS Actual
$143,896
2026 Current Est.
$148,155
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Shrewsbury (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $121,432 | Actual |
| 2020 | $124,383 | Actual |
| 2021 | $130,968 | Actual |
| 2022 | $132,327 | Actual |
| 2023 | $138,933 | Actual |
| 2024 | $155,588 | Actual |
| 2025 | $143,896 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $148,155 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $152,541 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Shrewsbury metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $121,432 (2019) to $143,896 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $152,541 by 2027 — a total increase of $31,109 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Shrewsbury 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) | $86,871 – $121,694 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $121,694 – $148,155 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $148,155 – $180,069 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $180,069 – $217,683 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Shrewsbury
Analyzing the local job market, there are currently six optometrists employed in Shrewsbury, which suggests a tight-knit community where professional relationships may enhance career opportunities. The cost-of-living reality in this region means that while salaries may appear enticing, the purchasing power for residents is slightly constrained compared to national averages. Among local employers, private optometry practices often offer the highest pay, especially those engaging in the OD/MD model, which allows optometrists to share in surgical revenue. Conversely, retail optical chains like LensCrafters might present lower compensation; however, they provide consistent employment opportunities. Factors contributing to the salary spread include practice ownership equity, residency training in ocular disease, and the evolving acquisition trends of previously independent practices by private equity firms. For optometrists in Shrewsbury looking to maximize pay, a focus on specialization and possibly seeking roles in practices that collaborate closely with ophthalmologists can be effective strategies to enhance income potential.
More salary data for Shrewsbury, 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 $143,896 for optometristsin the Shrewsbury 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 Shrewsbury 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