Optometrist Salary in Dover, NH: $145,889 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Dover, NH earns a median $145,889/year (≈ $70.14/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Dover's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.3), that paycheck buys what $135,964 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.3% below the New Hampshire state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, optometrists in Dover, New Hampshire, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $145,889, which is notably higher than the national median of $140,612. The overall salary range for this profession in Dover spans from $88,256 at the 10th percentile to $203,033 at the 90th percentile. This compensation structure reflects local parameters derived from BLS state-level data and adjustments for regional price levels. The surgical co-management revenue generated through the OD/MD model significantly contributes to earnings potential, enhancing the financial viability of practices that incorporate these collaborative approaches. Thus, for those considering a career in optometry within Dover, the local job market presents promising financial prospects.
About the Dover Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($140,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $88,256 | $42.43 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $121,837 | $58.57 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $145,889 | $70.14 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $170,859 | $82.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $203,033 | $97.62 |
Median Salary Position
3.75% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Dover
In Dover, NH, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $114,777 (2026 est.). At $145,889, the local median is 3.75% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Dover: You'd be above the median
How Dover Optometrist Pay Compares
Dover median: $145,889/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Dover Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire Average | $150,868 | -3.30% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | +3.75% more |
Optometrists in Dover, NH earn a median of $145,889 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.75% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 3.30% below the New Hampshire state average of $150,868.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Dover has a cost of living 7.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Dover, NH has a cost-of-living index of 107.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $145,889 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $135,964 — a 6.8% 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
$123,090
2025 BLS Actual
$141,695
2026 Current Est.
$145,889
2019–2027 Growth
+22.0%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Dover (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $123,090 | Actual |
| 2020 | $122,480 | Actual |
| 2021 | $128,965 | Actual |
| 2022 | $130,303 | Actual |
| 2023 | $136,808 | Actual |
| 2024 | $145,253 | Actual |
| 2025 | $141,695 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $145,889 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $150,207 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Dover metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 15.1% from $123,090 (2019) to $141,695 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $150,207 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,117 (22.03%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dover 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) | $88,256 – $121,837 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $121,837 – $145,889 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $145,889 – $170,859 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $170,859 – $203,033 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Dover
With only five optometrists currently employed in Dover, the local job market remains relatively small but offers specific challenges and opportunities. The cost of living index in the area stands at 107.3, which indicates that while salaries are competitive, including a premium over national averages, they must also be weighed against local living expenses that are above the national average. Among the various employers, private optometry practices and ophthalmology clinics, particularly those operating under the OD/MD model, tend to offer the highest pay, as they can leverage surgical referrals for additional income. The wide variation in salaries can often be attributed to factors such as practice ownership, residency training in ocular disease, and the evolving terms of employment in practices acquired by private equity. To maximize pay in this market, aspiring optometrists should consider obtaining residency training and seeking positions in integrated practices that provide broader scopes of service, aligning with evolving standards in the field.
More salary data for Dover, NH:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make in Dover, NH in 2026?
Is Dover, NH a good place to work as a optometrist?
Can optometrists make $100K in Dover?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted optometrist salary in Dover?
How much does a optometrist make per hour in Dover?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in New Hampshire
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 $141,695 for optometristsin the Dover 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 Dover 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