Optometrist Salary in Laconia, NH: $144,520 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Laconia, NH earns a median $144,520/year (≈ $69.48/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Laconia's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.3), that paycheck buys what $134,688 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.2% below the New Hampshire state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Optometrists in Laconia, New Hampshire, can expect a median annual salary of $144,520 in 2026, placing them above the national median of $140,612 by approximately 2.78%. Salary estimates indicate a range from $83,822 at the 10th percentile to $196,319 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the potential for significant upward mobility in earnings. These figures arise from estimates based on 2025 BLS state-level data and regional cost adjustments, which take into account the unique economic conditions in Laconia. With local optometrists engaging in OD/MD model surgical co-management, the integration of surgical referral revenue further enhances their compensation potential, creating a favorable job environment for both new graduates and seasoned professionals.
About the Laconia Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($140,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $83,822 | $40.30 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $117,625 | $56.55 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $144,520 | $69.48 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $167,062 | $80.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $196,319 | $94.38 |
Median Salary Position
2.78% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Laconia
In Laconia, NH, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $112,497 (2026 est.). At $144,520, the local median is 2.78% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Laconia: You'd be above the median
How Laconia Optometrist Pay Compares
Laconia median: $144,520/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Laconia Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire Average | $150,856 | -4.20% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | +2.78% more |
Optometrists in Laconia, NH earn a median of $144,520 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.78% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 4.20% below the New Hampshire state average of $150,856.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Laconia has a cost of living 7.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Laconia, NH has a cost-of-living index of 107.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $144,520 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $134,688 — a 6.8% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$118,453
2025 BLS Actual
$140,365
2026 Current Est.
$144,520
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Laconia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $118,453 | Actual |
| 2020 | $121,330 | Actual |
| 2021 | $127,754 | Actual |
| 2022 | $129,080 | Actual |
| 2023 | $135,524 | Actual |
| 2024 | $143,890 | Actual |
| 2025 | $140,365 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $144,520 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $148,798 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Laconia metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $118,453 (2019) to $140,365 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $148,798 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,345 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Laconia 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) | $83,822 – $117,625 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $117,625 – $144,520 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $144,520 – $167,062 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $167,062 – $196,319 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Laconia
In the local job market, six optometrists currently operate in Laconia, presenting opportunities that might attract those looking to enter a stable and growing field. The cost of living index in Laconia stands at 107.3, indicating that while expenses are somewhat elevated compared to the national average, salaries for optometrists still provide a reasonable purchasing power. Among the local employers, private optometry practices and ophthalmology practices utilizing the OD/MD model tend to offer the highest compensation packages. Factors influencing the pay spectrum include practice ownership equity and the experience gained from residency training programs in ocular disease, which can elevate an optometrist's earning potential significantly. Optometrists seeking to maximize their pay in Laconia should consider aligning with established ophthalmology practices or enhancing their skills through continuing education, particularly in advanced areas like glaucoma management and minor surgical procedures.
More salary data for Laconia, 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 $140,365 for optometristsin the Laconia 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 Laconia 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