Optometrist Salary in Braintree, MA: $149,574 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Braintree, MA earns a median $149,574/year (≈ $71.91/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Braintree's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $137,856 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.5% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, optometrists in Braintree, Massachusetts, can expect a median annual salary of $149,574, reflecting the favorable economic conditions and demand for eye care within the region. This figure indicates a competitive position in the national landscape, slightly outpacing the projected national median of $140,612 for the same year. The salary spectrum for optometrists in Braintree ranges widely from $89,400 at the 10th percentile to $217,215 at the 90th percentile. These estimates are informed by BLS state-level data and regional economic factors, setting a robust framework for earning potential. Given the local dynamics, including the opportunity for surgical co-management revenue in the OD/MD model, Braintree demonstrates a promising outlook for eye care professionals.
About the Braintree Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($150,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $89,400 | $42.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $124,579 | $59.89 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $149,574 | $71.91 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $180,238 | $86.65 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $217,215 | $104.43 |
Median Salary Position
6.37% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Braintree
In Braintree, MA, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $127,815 (2026 est.). At $149,574, the local median is 6.37% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Braintree: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Braintree Optometrist Pay Compares
Braintree median: $149,574/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Braintree Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $154,999 | -3.50% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | +6.37% more |
Optometrists in Braintree, MA earn a median of $149,574 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.37% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 3.50% below the Massachusetts state average of $154,999.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Braintree has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Braintree, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $149,574 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $137,856 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$122,595
2025 BLS Actual
$145,274
2026 Current Est.
$149,574
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Braintree (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $122,595 | Actual |
| 2020 | $125,574 | Actual |
| 2021 | $132,222 | Actual |
| 2022 | $133,594 | Actual |
| 2023 | $140,264 | Actual |
| 2024 | $157,078 | Actual |
| 2025 | $145,274 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $149,574 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $154,002 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Braintree metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $122,595 (2019) to $145,274 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $154,002 by 2027 — a total increase of $31,407 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Braintree 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) | $89,400 – $124,579 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $124,579 – $149,574 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $149,574 – $180,238 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $180,238 – $217,215 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Braintree
In this city, seven optometrists currently serve the local population, which highlights a niche but stable market. With a cost-of-living index of 108.5, the expenses associated with living in Braintree are above the national average, impacting take-home pay and overall economic comfort. Private optometry practices, particularly those embracing the OD/MD model, may offer the highest compensation compared to retail optical chains or vision insurance plans. The income disparity within the field is often influenced by factors such as ownership equity, residency training in ocular disease, and the operational nuances of private versus retail settings. To maximize their compensation, optometrists in Braintree might focus on advancing their qualifications, engaging in community outreach, and exploring roles that leverage surgical co-management opportunities, ultimately ensuring they tap into the most lucrative aspects of the profession in this region.
More salary data for Braintree, 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 $145,274 for optometristsin the Braintree 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 Braintree 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