Optometrist Salary in Merrimack, NH: $147,047 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Merrimack, NH earns a median $147,047/year (≈ $70.69/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Merrimack's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.3), that paycheck buys what $137,043 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.5% below the New Hampshire state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Merrimack, New Hampshire, optometrists are projected to earn a median annual salary of $147,047 in 2026, reflecting a competitive pay scale when compared to the national median of $140,612. This figure arises from local estimates based on 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost factors. Optometrists in Merrimack can expect salaries ranging from $85,288 at the lower end (P10) to as much as $206,904 for the top earners (P90). The strong demand for optometric services, alongside the OD/MD surgical co-management model that can enhance revenue through surgical referrals, contributes to these robust compensation figures, making Merrimack an appealing market for those entering the field.
About the Merrimack Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($140,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $85,288 | $41.01 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $115,265 | $55.41 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $147,047 | $70.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $173,481 | $83.41 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $206,904 | $99.47 |
Median Salary Position
4.58% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Merrimack
In Merrimack, NH, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $121,616 (2026 est.). At $147,047, the local median is 4.58% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Merrimack: You'd be above the median
How Merrimack Optometrist Pay Compares
Merrimack median: $147,047/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Merrimack Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire Average | $150,818 | -2.50% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | +4.58% more |
Optometrists in Merrimack, NH earn a median of $147,047 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.58% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 2.50% below the New Hampshire state average of $150,818.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Merrimack has a cost of living 7.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Merrimack, NH has a cost-of-living index of 107.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $147,047 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $137,043 — a 6.8% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$120,524
2025 BLS Actual
$142,820
2026 Current Est.
$147,047
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Merrimack (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $120,524 | Actual |
| 2020 | $123,452 | Actual |
| 2021 | $129,988 | Actual |
| 2022 | $131,338 | Actual |
| 2023 | $137,894 | Actual |
| 2024 | $146,407 | Actual |
| 2025 | $142,820 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $147,047 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $151,400 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Merrimack metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $120,524 (2019) to $142,820 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $151,400 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,876 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Merrimack 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) | $85,288 – $115,265 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $115,265 – $147,047 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $147,047 – $173,481 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $173,481 – $206,904 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Merrimack
With only five optometrists currently practicing in Merrimack, the local job market shows a potential for growth, particularly in roles that enhance ownership equity or leverage residency training pathways in ocular disease. However, the cost of living index of 107.3 indicates that living expenses are higher than the national average, which could impact take-home purchasing power. Among potential employers, private optometry practices and ophthalmology groups often offer the most competitive compensation packages, especially those utilizing the OD/MD model. The disparity in salaries can largely be attributed to factors such as practice ownership, experience levels, and specific training. To maximize optometrist pay in Merrimack NH, professionals should consider acquiring additional skills through residency training or aligning with practices that emphasize collaborative care and surgical revenue-sharing arrangements.
More salary data for Merrimack, NH:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make in Merrimack, NH in 2026?
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Can optometrists make $100K in Merrimack?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted optometrist salary in Merrimack?
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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 $142,820 for optometristsin the Merrimack 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 Merrimack 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