Optometrist Salary in Barnstable, MA: $150,645 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Barnstable, MA earns a median $150,645/year (≈ $72.42/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Barnstable's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $138,843 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.8% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Optometrists in Barnstable, Massachusetts, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $150,645 in 2026, which is notably higher than the national median of $140,612. This salary estimate reflects the local market dynamics and the competitive compensation landscape driven by the state's expanded scope of practice, which includes glaucoma management, prescription of oral medications, and select laser procedures. The salary range for optometrists in Barnstable spans from $87,374 at the 10th percentile to $211,568 at the 90th percentile, indicating a diverse employment spectrum. These figures are based on 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, and adjusted for the regional cost of living, which stands above the national average. This compensation framework reflects not only the educational and clinical expertise required for optometrists but also the demand for high-quality eye care in the community.
About the Barnstable Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($150,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $87,374 | $42.01 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $126,778 | $60.95 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $150,645 | $72.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $177,141 | $85.17 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $211,568 | $101.71 |
Median Salary Position
7.14% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Barnstable
In Barnstable, MA, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $124,194 (2026 est.). At $150,645, the local median is 7.14% above the national median of $140,612.
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At 40 hours/week in Barnstable: You'd be above the median
How Barnstable Optometrist Pay Compares
Barnstable median: $150,645/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Barnstable Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $154,984 | -2.80% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | +7.14% more |
Optometrists in Barnstable, MA earn a median of $150,645 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.14% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 2.80% below the Massachusetts state average of $154,984.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Barnstable has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Barnstable, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $150,645 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $138,843 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$123,473
2025 BLS Actual
$146,314
2026 Current Est.
$150,645
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Barnstable (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $123,473 | Actual |
| 2020 | $126,473 | Actual |
| 2021 | $133,169 | Actual |
| 2022 | $134,551 | Actual |
| 2023 | $141,268 | Actual |
| 2024 | $158,202 | Actual |
| 2025 | $146,314 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $150,645 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $155,104 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Barnstable metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $123,473 (2019) to $146,314 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $155,104 by 2027 — a total increase of $31,631 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Barnstable 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) | $87,374 – $126,778 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $126,778 – $150,645 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $150,645 – $177,141 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $177,141 – $211,568 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Barnstable
The local job market for optometrists in Barnstable is relatively small, with only eight professionals currently employed in the area. The cost of living index in Barnstable, sitting at 108.5, suggests that while salaries are competitive, the expenses associated with living in this region must be taken into account when assessing take-home pay. Among various employers, private optometry practices, particularly those operating independently, typically offer the most lucrative compensation packages. Factors contributing to the significant pay disparity include levels of practice ownership equity, collaboration models with ophthalmology, and the impact of residency training, especially in ocular disease, which can lead to higher earning potential. For those looking to maximize their optometrist pay in Barnstable, pursuing residency training, aligning with well-established private practices, and exploring partnerships with ophthalmologists are strategic moves that can enhance long-term compensation and career growth.
More salary data for Barnstable, MA:
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 $146,314 for optometristsin the Barnstable 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 Barnstable 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