Optometrist Salary in Bedford, NH: $142,103 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Bedford, NH earns a median $142,103/year (≈ $68.31/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Bedford's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.3), that paycheck buys what $132,435 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.8% below the New Hampshire state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bedford, New Hampshire, the average compensation for optometrists is projected at $142,103 in 2026, reflecting a slight increase above the national median of $140,612. The salary range illustrates a diverse earning potential, spanning from $82,419 at the lower end (P10) to $201,842 for the highest earners (P90). These figures derive from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost-of-living variations. Notably, the expanding scope of practice for optometrists in New Hampshire, encompassing glaucoma management, oral medications, and certain laser procedures, is likely contributing to the competitive pay for professionals in this field. As Bedford continues to flourish in health care offerings, the demand for well-trained optometrists remains strong, maintaining healthy job opportunities for those entering the field.
About the Bedford Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($140,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $82,419 | $39.63 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $121,455 | $58.39 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $142,103 | $68.31 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $169,717 | $81.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $201,842 | $97.04 |
Median Salary Position
1.06% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bedford
In Bedford, NH, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $119,423 (2026 est.). At $142,103, the local median is 1.06% above the national median of $140,612.
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At 40 hours/week in Bedford: You'd be above the median
How Bedford Optometrist Pay Compares
Bedford median: $142,103/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bedford Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire Average | $150,853 | -5.80% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | +1.06% more |
Optometrists in Bedford, NH earn a median of $142,103 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.06% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 5.80% below the New Hampshire state average of $150,853.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bedford has a cost of living 7.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bedford, NH has a cost-of-living index of 107.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $142,103 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $132,435 — a 6.8% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$116,472
2025 BLS Actual
$138,018
2026 Current Est.
$142,103
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Bedford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $116,472 | Actual |
| 2020 | $119,302 | Actual |
| 2021 | $125,618 | Actual |
| 2022 | $126,922 | Actual |
| 2023 | $133,258 | Actual |
| 2024 | $141,484 | Actual |
| 2025 | $138,018 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $142,103 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $146,310 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bedford metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $116,472 (2019) to $138,018 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $146,310 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,838 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bedford 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) | $82,419 – $121,455 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $121,455 – $142,103 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $142,103 – $169,717 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $169,717 – $201,842 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Bedford
While examining the local job market for optometrists, it is essential to consider that only six practitioners are currently employed in Bedford, underscoring a relatively promising employment landscape. The cost of living index in the area stands at 107.3, indicating that expenses are about 7.3% higher than the national average, which can impact take-home pay significantly. Major employers include both private optometry practices and retail optical chains, with the highest salaries typically found in ophthalmology practices where optometrists collaborate with medical doctors. Various factors influence wage discrepancies, including ownership equity in private practices, participation in surgical referral revenue alongside ophthalmology colleagues, and the effects of residency training in specialized areas. Practitioners aiming to maximize salary in Bedford should consider building relationships with local ophthalmologists, exploring opportunities in service-oriented practices, and enhancing credentials through post-graduate training to improve marketability and compensation potential.
More salary data for Bedford, NH:
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 $138,018 for optometristsin the Bedford 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 Bedford 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