Optometrist Salary in Lowell, MA: $155,405 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Lowell, MA earns a median $155,405/year (≈ $74.72/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Lowell's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $143,230 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.3% above the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Optometrists in Lowell, Massachusetts, can expect a median annual salary of $155,405 in 2026, reflecting a competitive landscape for those considering practice ownership or associating with retail chains. The projected salary range for optometrists in this area ranges from $90,134 at the low end to $236,224 at the high end. Local estimates derived from BLS state-level data and regional cost adjustments paint a picture of a robust job market where skilled professionals can achieve higher earnings, especially in private practices or settings that offer specialized services. The structure of employment—whether in independent practices, optometry groups, or retail chains—plays a significant role in determining salary tiers, highlighting the importance of choosing the right type of practice to maximize income potential.
About the Lowell Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($150,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $90,134 | $43.34 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $125,824 | $60.49 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $155,405 | $74.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $191,864 | $92.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $236,224 | $113.56 |
Median Salary Position
10.52% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lowell
In Lowell, MA, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $146,090 (2026 est.). At $155,405, the local median is 10.52% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lowell: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lowell Optometrist Pay Compares
Lowell median: $155,405/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lowell Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $154,940 | +0.30% more |
| National Average | $140,612 | +10.52% more |
Optometrists in Lowell, MA earn a median of $155,405 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.52% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 0.30% above the Massachusetts state average of $154,940.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lowell has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lowell, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $155,405 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $143,230 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$127,374
2025 BLS Actual
$150,937
2026 Current Est.
$155,405
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Lowell (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $127,374 | Actual |
| 2020 | $130,469 | Actual |
| 2021 | $137,376 | Actual |
| 2022 | $138,802 | Actual |
| 2023 | $145,732 | Actual |
| 2024 | $163,201 | Actual |
| 2025 | $150,937 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $155,405 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $160,005 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lowell metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $127,374 (2019) to $150,937 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $160,005 by 2027 — a total increase of $32,631 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lowell 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) | $90,134 – $125,824 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $125,824 – $155,405 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $155,405 – $191,864 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $191,864 – $236,224 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Lowell
In Lowell, the employment picture shows that there are currently 29 optometrists, which indicates a moderate job market. However, the cost of living index stands at 108.5, suggesting that while salaries are above the national median, the cost of living could impact overall purchasing power. Notably, private optometry practices typically pay more than retail optical chains, with ophthalmology partnerships that include surgical referrals and specialty services also commanding higher salaries. Variations in pay can often be traced back to practice ownership equity, the presence of residency training, and the evolving landscape of optometric care, especially concerning new procedures and expanded prescribing rights. Optometrists looking to enhance their earnings in Lowell should consider options such as additional certifications, specializing in ocular diseases, or seeking positions within thriving private practices rather than retail settings.
More salary data for Lowell, 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 $150,937 for optometristsin the Lowell 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 Lowell 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