Optometrist Salary

Andover vs Springfield: Optometrist Salary (2026)

Compare optometrist salaries between Andover, MA and Springfield, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Andover, MA
$146,737
$70.55/hr
Springfield, MA
$140,726
$67.66/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAndover, MASpringfield, MA
Median Salary$146,737$140,726
Hourly Rate$70.55$67.66
Entry Level (P10)$85,107$87,217
25th Percentile$118,841$114,203
75th Percentile$173,544$162,821
Top Earner (P90)$207,719$180,860
Total Employed530
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Andover ($146,737) and Springfield ($140,726) optometrist salaries.AndoverSpringfieldMedian Salary$146,737$140,726Entry Level (P10)$85,107$87,217Top Earner (P90)$207,719$180,860US Median $140,612

Verdict

Andover, MA offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Springfield.

The salary gap between Andover and Springfield is $6,011 (4.27%). Andover's median is +4.36% compared to the US national median of $140,612.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Andover spans $122,612,Springfield spans $93,643. Andover has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Andover
P10 (Entry)$85,107
P25$118,841
Median$146,737
P75$173,544
P90 (Top)$207,719
Springfield
P10 (Entry)$87,217
P25$114,203
Median$140,726
P75$162,821
P90 (Top)$180,860

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Springfield ($146,496 effective) pays 8.32% more than Andover ($135,241 effective).

Andover
Nominal: $146,737
CoL Index: 108.5
Adjusted: $135,241
Springfield
Nominal: $140,726
CoL Index: 96.061
Adjusted: $146,496

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Andover if…

  • Higher median salary ($146,737/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($207,719)
  • You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle

Choose Springfield if…

  • Larger job market (30 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $146,496)
  • You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Andover grew -7.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 10.0% growth in Springfield over the same period.

Andover, MA

+-7.5%

$154,098 (2024) → $142,518 (2025)

Springfield, MA

+10.0%

$124,300 (2019) → $136,680 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays optometrists more: Andover or Springfield?

Andover has a higher median optometrist salary at $146,737/year, compared to Springfield at $140,726/year — a difference of $6,011 (4.27%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Andover and Springfield?

Andover optometrists earn $70.55/hr while Springfield hygienists earn $67.66/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Andover to Springfield as a optometrist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Andover and Springfield. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Andover = $135,241, Springfield = $146,496), job availability (5 vs 30 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level optometrists earn in Andover vs Springfield?

Entry-level (10th percentile) optometrists earn $85,107 in Andover and $87,217 in Springfield. The Springfield area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

AP

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.

Clinically reviewed by Rajiv Kumar, ODData verified by Sofia Martinez, OD

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.96% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS , released .

Compiled and verified by Aisha Patel, OD, a licensed optometrist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov