Optometrist Salary in New Hampshire: $135,108 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across New Hampshire's 16 metropolitan areas, the average median optometrist pay sits at $135,108/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 29-1041. Because New Hampshire sits at BEA RPP 107.3 (7% above the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $125,916 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Salem ($143,002), Merrimack ($142,820), Dover ($141,695).
In New Hampshire, the projected average median salary for optometrists in 2026 is $135,108, which is slightly below the national median of $140,612, representing a difference of -3.9%. The highest paying city in the state is Salem, with an average salary of $147,235, while Manchester offers the lowest at $128,154, creating a salary gap of $19,081 between these two locations. Factors driving this difference may include the cost of living, patient volume, and local demand for eye care services. New Hampshire has specific licensing requirements that include passing the National Board of Examiners in Optometry exam and obtaining a state license. The state's scope of practice laws allow optometrists to perform certain procedures, influencing job responsibilities and earning potential. A growing emphasis on eye health and an aging population are key demand drivers in the region. With a projected annual growth rate of 2.96%, the job outlook for optometrists in New Hampshire is solid. As the population continues to expand, so does the need for comprehensive eye care, ensuring a steady demand for qualified professionals in the field. There are currently 205 optometrists employed across 16 metro areas, reflecting a healthy job market for aspiring candidates.
New Hampshire Optometrist Salary Range
Overall salary range in New Hampshire: $74,856 (lowest entry-level) to $213,871 (highest top earner)
New Hampshire vs National Average
New Hampshire optometrists earn 3.91% less than the national median ($-5,504/year difference).
New Hampshire Optometrist Salary Distribution (2026)
Optometrist salaries in New Hampshire range from $81,103 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $185,618 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $135,108. The New Hampshire median is $5,504 below the US national median of $140,612. The average hourly rate is $64.95/hr. Approximately 205 optometrists are employed across 16 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$144,150
2025 BLS Actual
$131,224
2026 Current Est.
$135,108
2019–2027 Growth
+-3.5%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in New Hampshire (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $144,150 | Actual |
| 2020 | $106,380 | Actual |
| 2021 | $119,434 | Actual |
| 2022 | $149,040 | Actual |
| 2023 | $134,860 | Actual |
| 2024 | $134,393 | Actual |
| 2025 | $131,224 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $135,108 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $139,107 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the New Hampshire metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew -9.0% from $144,150 (2019) to $131,224 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $139,107 by 2027 — a total increase of $-5,043 (-3.50%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the New Hampshire 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.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in New Hampshire
Lowest Paying Cities in New Hampshire
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Manchester | $128,154 |
| Nashua | $129,061 |
| Bedford | $142,103 |
| Concord | $143,769 |
| Hudson | $144,121 |
Best Value Cities for Optometrists in New Hampshire
When adjusted for local cost of living, these New Hampshire cities offer the most purchasing power for optometrists.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salem | $147,235 | 107.3 | $137,218 |
| Merrimack | $147,047 | 107.3 | $137,043 |
| Dover | $145,889 | 107.3 | $135,964 |
| Londonderry | $145,245 | 107.3 | $135,363 |
| Rochester | $145,233 | 107.3 | $135,352 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in New Hampshire
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $81,103 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $135,108 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $185,618 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across New Hampshire metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 16 Cities in New Hampshire
More New Hampshire Salary Data
Explore More Optometrist Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make in New Hampshire in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for optometrists in New Hampshire?
How does New Hampshire optometrist pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level optometrist salary in New Hampshire?
How many optometrists are employed in New Hampshire?
Which New Hampshire city offers the best value for optometrists?
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
Statewide 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. A 2.96% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 optometrist compensation across New Hampshire. State averages are employment-weighted across 16 metro areas — larger metro areas with more optometristscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 6-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