Optometrist Salary in Fall River, MA: $152,990 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Fall River, MA earns a median $152,990/year (≈ $73.55/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Fall River's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $141,005 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.3% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, optometrists in Fall River, Massachusetts, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $152,990, reflecting the city's competitive healthcare landscape. The salary range for this profession varies significantly, with the lower 10% earning approximately $89,698 and the top 90% reaching as high as $229,317. These figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional price parities, highlighting the local job market's unique dynamics. The choice between practice ownership, employment as an associate in private practices, or working in retail chains can influence earnings, making Fall River an intriguing market for aspiring optometrists.
About the Fall River Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($150,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $89,698 | $43.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $125,895 | $60.53 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $152,990 | $73.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $187,697 | $90.23 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $229,317 | $110.25 |
Median Salary Position
8.80% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fall River
In Fall River, MA, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $139,619 (2026 est.). At $152,990, the local median is 8.8% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Fall River: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Fall River Optometrist Pay Compares
Fall River median: $152,990/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fall River Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $155,005 | -1.30% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | +8.80% more |
Optometrists in Fall River, MA earn a median of $152,990 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.80% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 1.30% below the Massachusetts state average of $155,005.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fall River has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Fall River, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $152,990 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $141,005 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$125,395
2025 BLS Actual
$148,592
2026 Current Est.
$152,990
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Fall River (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $125,395 | Actual |
| 2020 | $128,442 | Actual |
| 2021 | $135,242 | Actual |
| 2022 | $136,645 | Actual |
| 2023 | $143,467 | Actual |
| 2024 | $160,665 | Actual |
| 2025 | $148,592 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $152,990 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $157,519 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fall River metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $125,395 (2019) to $148,592 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $157,519 by 2027 — a total increase of $32,124 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fall River 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) | $89,698 – $125,895 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $125,895 – $152,990 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $152,990 – $187,697 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $187,697 – $229,317 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Fall River
With 21 optometrists currently employed in the area, Fall River offers a modest yet stable job market where pay can be impacted by various factors. The cost-of-living index sits at 108.5, suggesting that while salaries are relatively high, the expenses associated with living in the area can affect overall purchasing power. Among the local employers, private optometry practices typically offer higher compensation compared to retail chains like LensCrafters and Walmart Vision. Factors driving the salary range include the differences in practice ownership models, additional revenue opportunities through referrals in the OD/MD collaboration, and the nuances of practice acquisitions by private equity firms. For those looking to maximize their optometrist salary in Fall River, pursuing residency training can be advantageous, as it often leads to better pay and more specialized roles within the growing scope of optometry, especially in managing conditions like glaucoma.
More salary data for Fall River, 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 $148,592 for optometristsin the Fall River 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 Fall River 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