Optometrist Salary in Frederick, MD: $150,358 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Frederick, MD earns a median $150,358/year (≈ $72.29/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Frederick's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 109.3), that paycheck buys what $137,565 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.2% below the Maryland state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Optometrists in Frederick, Maryland, can expect a median annual salary of $150,358 in 2026, reflecting a competitive landscape influenced by the state's expanded scope of practice that includes glaucoma management, oral medications, and select laser procedures. This salary indicates a robust pay range, with figures running from $87,207 at the 10th percentile to as high as $228,545 at the 90th percentile. These estimates are derived from state-level BLS data, adjusted to reflect regional cost factors, which places Frederick an extra notch above the national median of $140,612 for optometrists. The local market factors and expectations highlight a promising opportunity for those pursuing a career in optometry within the city, as demand for ocular health services continues to grow.
About the Frederick Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($145,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $87,207 | $41.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $122,112 | $58.71 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $150,358 | $72.29 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $186,026 | $89.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $228,545 | $109.88 |
Median Salary Position
6.93% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Frederick
In Frederick, MD, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $141,338 (2026 est.). At $150,358, the local median is 6.93% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Frederick: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Frederick Optometrist Pay Compares
Frederick median: $150,358/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Frederick Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland Average | $153,740 | -2.20% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | +6.93% more |
Optometrists in Frederick, MD earn a median of $150,358 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.93% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 2.20% below the Maryland state average of $153,740.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Frederick has a cost of living 9.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Frederick, MD has a cost-of-living index of 109.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $150,358 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $137,565 — a 8.51% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$123,237
2025 BLS Actual
$146,035
2026 Current Est.
$150,358
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Frederick (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $123,237 | Actual |
| 2020 | $126,231 | Actual |
| 2021 | $132,915 | Actual |
| 2022 | $134,294 | Actual |
| 2023 | $140,999 | Actual |
| 2024 | $155,049 | Actual |
| 2025 | $146,035 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $150,358 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $154,808 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Frederick metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $123,237 (2019) to $146,035 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $154,808 by 2027 — a total increase of $31,571 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Frederick 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) | $87,207 – $122,112 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $122,112 – $150,358 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $150,358 – $186,026 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $186,026 – $228,545 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Frederick
The job market for optometrists in Frederick includes 15 currently employed professionals, which indicates a concentrated yet stable environment for new entrants. However, the cost of living index sits at 109.3, meaning everyday expenses are slightly above the national average, potentially affecting take-home purchasing power. Among local employers, private practices and ophthalmology clinics often provide the highest compensation, especially for those engaged in partnership arrangements or the OD/MD model that allows for surgical referral revenue sharing. The disparity in salaries can be attributed to various factors, such as residency training focusing on ocular diseases, practice ownership, and the evolving dynamics of private practices transitioning to private equity ownership. To maximize pay, new optometrists should consider pursuing additional certifications, seek employment in more lucrative settings, and remain informed about the regional market trends specific to Frederick, MD.
More salary data for Frederick, MD:
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 $146,035 for optometristsin the Frederick 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 Frederick 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