Boston vs Chelmsford: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Boston, MA and Chelmsford, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Boston, MA | Chelmsford, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $159,557▲ | $147,313 |
| Hourly Rate | $76.72▲ | $70.83 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $98,615▲ | $85,441 |
| 25th Percentile | $130,286▲ | $119,996 |
| 75th Percentile | $171,861 | $178,070▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $204,952 | $214,846▲ |
| Total Employed | 710▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Boston, MA offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Chelmsford.
The salary gap between Boston and Chelmsford is $12,244 (8.31%). Boston's median is +13.47% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Boston spans $106,337,Chelmsford spans $129,405. Chelmsford has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced optometrists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Boston ($147,375 effective) pays 8.55% more than Chelmsford ($135,772 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Boston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($159,557/year)
- ✓Larger job market (710 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $147,375)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Choose Chelmsford if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($214,846)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Boston grew 24.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -7.5% growth in Chelmsford over the same period.
Boston, MA
$124,200 (2019) → $154,970 (2025)
Chelmsford, MA
$154,704 (2024) → $143,078 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Boston, MA
Chelmsford, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Boston or Chelmsford?
What is the hourly rate difference between Boston and Chelmsford?
Should I relocate from Boston to Chelmsford as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Boston vs Chelmsford?
Related Comparisons
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
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