Boston vs Malden: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Boston, MA and Malden, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Boston, MA | Malden, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $159,557▲ | $155,470 |
| Hourly Rate | $76.72▲ | $74.75 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $98,615▲ | $90,172 |
| 25th Percentile | $130,286▲ | $121,622 |
| 75th Percentile | $171,861 | $187,709▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $204,952 | $228,579▲ |
| Total Employed | 710▲ | 15 |
Verdict
Boston, MA offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Malden.
The salary gap between Boston and Malden is $4,087 (2.63%). 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,Malden spans $138,407. Malden 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 2.85% more than Malden ($143,290 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 Malden if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($228,579)
- ✓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 Malden over the same period.
Boston, MA
$124,200 (2019) → $154,970 (2025)
Malden, MA
$163,269 (2024) → $151,000 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Boston, MA
Malden, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Boston or Malden?
What is the hourly rate difference between Boston and Malden?
Should I relocate from Boston to Malden as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Boston vs Malden?
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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
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