Optometrist Salary in Hudson, NH: $144,121 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Hudson, NH earns a median $144,121/year (≈ $69.29/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Hudson's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.3), that paycheck buys what $134,316 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.5% below the New Hampshire state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Hudson, New Hampshire, the optometrist salary is projected to reach a median of $144,121 in 2026, showcasing a competitive edge over the national average of $140,612. The local salary range indicates significant potential, with earnings from $83,708 at the 10th percentile to $206,433 at the 90th percentile. This projection incorporates estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and regional cost adjustments, reflecting the city's unique economic conditions. The job market in Hudson appears promising, suggesting that optometrists who engage in the OD/MD model for surgical co-management may further enhance their compensation through additional revenue sharing.
About the Hudson Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($140,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $83,708 | $40.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $115,036 | $55.31 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $144,121 | $69.29 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $171,923 | $82.66 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $206,433 | $99.24 |
Median Salary Position
2.50% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hudson
In Hudson, NH, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $122,725 (2026 est.). At $144,121, the local median is 2.5% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Hudson: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Hudson Optometrist Pay Compares
Hudson median: $144,121/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Hudson Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire Average | $150,912 | -4.50% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | +2.50% more |
Optometrists in Hudson, NH earn a median of $144,121 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.50% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 4.50% below the New Hampshire state average of $150,912.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Hudson has a cost of living 7.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Hudson, NH has a cost-of-living index of 107.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $144,121 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $134,316 — a 6.8% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$118,126
2025 BLS Actual
$139,978
2026 Current Est.
$144,121
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Hudson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $118,126 | Actual |
| 2020 | $120,996 | Actual |
| 2021 | $127,402 | Actual |
| 2022 | $128,724 | Actual |
| 2023 | $135,150 | Actual |
| 2024 | $143,493 | Actual |
| 2025 | $139,978 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $144,121 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $148,387 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hudson metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $118,126 (2019) to $139,978 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $148,387 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,261 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hudson 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) | $83,708 – $115,036 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $115,036 – $144,121 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $144,121 – $171,923 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $171,923 – $206,433 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Hudson
The local employment landscape features four optometrists, indicating a tight-knit market. Hudson’s cost of living index of 107.3 suggests that while salaries may be higher, the purchasing power for residents can be impacted by the relatively elevated living expenses. Among potential employers, those operating private optometry practices, especially under the OD/MD model, are likely to offer the best salaries. The pay discrepancy can be attributed to various factors, including ownership stake in the practice, the revenue from surgical referrals, and differences in practice settings. Optometrists looking to maximize their pay should consider aligning their practice with ophthalmologists, obtaining residency training, or navigating roles in the private sector, particularly as the field has evolved with expanded scopes of practice including glaucoma and oral medications.
More salary data for Hudson, NH:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can optometrists make $100K in Hudson?
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Related Pages
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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 $139,978 for optometristsin the Hudson 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 Hudson 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