Optometrist Salary in New Bedford, MA: $156,131 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in New Bedford, MA earns a median $156,131/year (≈ $75.06/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in New Bedford's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $143,900 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.7% above the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, optometrists in New Bedford, Massachusetts, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $156,131, which is approximately 11.04% higher than the national median of $140,612. The projected salary range for this profession in the area spans from $90,555 at the 10th percentile to $229,097 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the diverse opportunities available in the local market. These figures are local estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional price disparities. With an expanding scope of practice, including glaucoma management, the use of oral medications, and select laser procedures, the demand for optometrists in New Bedford is likely to continue to grow, affecting salary levels positively.
About the New Bedford Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($150,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $90,555 | $43.53 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $127,273 | $61.19 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $156,131 | $75.06 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $187,386 | $90.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $229,097 | $110.15 |
Median Salary Position
11.04% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in New Bedford
In New Bedford, MA, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $138,542 (2026 est.). At $156,131, the local median is 11.04% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in New Bedford: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How New Bedford Optometrist Pay Compares
New Bedford median: $156,131/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | New Bedford Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $155,045 | +0.70% more |
| National Average | $140,612 | +11.04% more |
Optometrists in New Bedford, MA earn a median of $156,131 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.04% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 0.70% above the Massachusetts state average of $155,045.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
New Bedford has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
New Bedford, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $156,131 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $143,900 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$127,969
2025 BLS Actual
$151,642
2026 Current Est.
$156,131
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in New Bedford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $127,969 | Actual |
| 2020 | $124,800 | Actual |
| 2021 | $138,018 | Actual |
| 2022 | $139,450 | Actual |
| 2023 | $146,412 | Actual |
| 2024 | $163,963 | Actual |
| 2025 | $151,642 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $156,131 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $160,752 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the New Bedford metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $127,969 (2019) to $151,642 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $160,752 by 2027 — a total increase of $32,783 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the New Bedford 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) | $90,555 – $127,273 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $127,273 – $156,131 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $156,131 – $187,386 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $187,386 – $229,097 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in New Bedford
With 24 optometrists currently employed in New Bedford, the local job market demonstrates a stable demand for eye care professionals. The cost of living index stands at 108.5, indicating that while the wages may be higher than some areas, the purchasing power for essential goods and services is also elevated. Among employers, private optometry practices often offer the best compensation, particularly those that integrate an OD/MD model, allowing for shared revenue from surgical referrals. Factors such as ownership equity in practices, additional income streams from surgical partnerships, and training in ocular disease can significantly influence pay variations. To maximize earnings in this specific MA market, optometrists should consider pursuing advanced residencies, staying updated on licensing requirements, and exploring opportunities in private practice—particularly in transition from former independent practices now under private equity management.
More salary data for New Bedford, 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 $151,642 for optometristsin the New Bedford 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 New Bedford 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