Optometrist Salary in Worcester, MA: $154,028 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Worcester, MA earns a median $154,028/year (≈ $74.05/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Worcester's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 102.5), that paycheck buys what $150,238 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.6% below the Massachusetts state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual salary for optometrists in Worcester, Massachusetts, is $154,028, surpassing the national median of $140,612 by 9.54%. This figure reflects the competitive landscape of practice ownership versus employed associate roles and retail chains within the local market. The salary range offers a wide spectrum, with experienced professionals earning as much as $193,060, while those at the entry level can expect around $93,982. These figures are drawn from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS surveys and highlight the financial opportunities available in Worcester's optometry sector, especially as the demand for eye care continues to grow in line with expanding scopes of practice.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $93,982 | $45.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $134,116 | $64.48 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $154,028 | $74.05 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $169,596 | $81.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $193,060 | $92.82 |
Median Salary Position
9.54% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Worcester
In Worcester, MA, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $99,078 (2026 est.). At $154,028, the local median is 9.54% above the national median of $140,612.
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How Worcester Optometrist Pay Compares
Worcester median: $154,028/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Worcester Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $154,958 | -0.60% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | +9.54% more |
Optometrists in Worcester, MA earn a median of $154,028 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.54% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 0.60% below the Massachusetts state average of $154,958.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Worcester has a cost of living 2.52% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Worcester, MA has a cost-of-living index of 102.523 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $154,028 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $150,238 — a 2.46% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$113,250
2025 BLS Actual
$149,600
2026 Current Est.
$154,028
2019–2027 Growth
+40.0%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Worcester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $113,250 | Actual |
| 2020 | $118,980 | Actual |
| 2021 | $127,690 | Actual |
| 2022 | $138,890 | Actual |
| 2023 | $151,710 | Actual |
| 2024 | $150,820 | Actual |
| 2025 | $149,600 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $154,028 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $158,587 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Worcester metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 32.1% from $113,250 (2019) to $149,600 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $158,587 by 2027 — a total increase of $45,337 (40.03%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Worcester 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) | $93,982 – $134,116 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $134,116 – $154,028 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $154,028 – $169,596 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $169,596 – $193,060 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Worcester
The job market for optometrists in Worcester currently employs about 90 professionals, indicating a healthy demand for eye care services amidst a cost of living index of 102.523. This slightly above-average cost of living suggests that while salaries are competitive, the purchasing power may be impacted by the local economic environment. Private optometry practices often provide higher compensation compared to retail optical chains like LensCrafters or Pearle Vision. Key factors influencing salary variation in the area include whether the optometrist is a practice owner, the model of collaboration with ophthalmologists, and specialized training in ocular disease. Thus, those who pursue residency training or find positions within evolving healthcare systems like VA medical centers may see additional financial rewards. To optimize earnings in Worcester, aligning with reputable practices, pursuing advanced training, and considering the evolving OD/MD partnerships can enhance compensation prospects significantly.
More salary data for Worcester, 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 $149,600 for optometristsin the Worcester 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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