Optometrist Salary in Lexington, MA: $148,348 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Lexington, MA earns a median $148,348/year (≈ $71.32/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Lexington's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $136,726 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.3% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Optometrists in Lexington, Massachusetts, can expect a median annual salary of $148,348 in 2026, which is slightly above the national average of $140,612. This professional role, particularly when paired with the OD/MD model for surgical co-management, can enhance earnings, allowing for a full salary range spanning from $86,671 to $213,085. This data reflects localized estimates derived from the 2025 BLS data, adjusted for the region's unique cost of living adjustments. The strong demand for eye care services in Lexington contributes positively to this salary outlook, highlighting a competitive environment for optometric professionals in the area.
About the Lexington Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($150,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $86,671 | $41.67 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $122,083 | $58.70 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $148,348 | $71.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $177,329 | $85.25 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $213,085 | $102.45 |
Median Salary Position
5.50% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lexington
In Lexington, MA, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $126,414 (2026 est.). At $148,348, the local median is 5.5% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lexington: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lexington Optometrist Pay Compares
Lexington median: $148,348/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lexington Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $155,013 | -4.30% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | +5.50% more |
Optometrists in Lexington, MA earn a median of $148,348 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.50% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 4.30% below the Massachusetts state average of $155,013.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lexington has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lexington, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $148,348 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $136,726 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$121,590
2025 BLS Actual
$144,083
2026 Current Est.
$148,348
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Lexington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $121,590 | Actual |
| 2020 | $124,544 | Actual |
| 2021 | $131,138 | Actual |
| 2022 | $132,499 | Actual |
| 2023 | $139,114 | Actual |
| 2024 | $155,790 | Actual |
| 2025 | $144,083 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $148,348 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $152,739 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lexington metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $121,590 (2019) to $144,083 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $152,739 by 2027 — a total increase of $31,149 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lexington 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) | $86,671 – $122,083 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $122,083 – $148,348 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $148,348 – $177,329 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $177,329 – $213,085 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Lexington
In terms of local employment, only six optometrists are currently practicing in Lexington, presenting a relatively niche job market. With a cost-of-living index sitting at 108.5, the financial reality means that take-home pay may be affected despite the above-average salary figures. Optometrists working within ophthalmology practices, especially those leveraging the OD/MD model, generally garner higher salaries compared to their peers at retail optical chains or independent practices. Factors influencing the pay range include the opportunity for practice ownership equity, specialization in ocular disease, and the terms offered by firms that have transitioned from private to private equity ownership. Optometrists in Lexington can maximize their pay by pursuing residency training, aligning with ophthalmologists for referral opportunities, and considering the implications of local market dynamics when applying for positions.
More salary data for Lexington, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make in Lexington, MA in 2026?
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Can optometrists make $100K in Lexington?
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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 $144,083 for optometristsin the Lexington 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 Lexington 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