Optometrist Salary in Somerville, MA: $157,089 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Somerville, MA earns a median $157,089/year (≈ $75.52/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Somerville's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $144,782 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.4% above the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Somerville, Massachusetts, the evolving scope of practice for optometrists, including expanded duties like glaucoma management and the use of oral medications, significantly influences compensation. With a projected median annual salary of $157,089 in 2026, optometrists in the region thrive in a competitive market. This salary reflects a range from $91,111 at the lower end to $228,548 for those at the top of their field. These figures, derived from state-level data and adjusted for regional cost considerations, highlight that local practitioners can expect to earn above the national median of $140,612. As the job market for optometrists in Somerville continues to grow, professionals are finding rewarding career opportunities shaped by both their specialization and the dynamic healthcare landscape.
About the Somerville Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($150,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $91,111 | $43.80 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $124,879 | $60.04 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $157,089 | $75.52 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $188,217 | $90.49 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $228,548 | $109.88 |
Median Salary Position
11.72% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Somerville
In Somerville, MA, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $137,437 (2026 est.). At $157,089, the local median is 11.72% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Somerville: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Somerville Optometrist Pay Compares
Somerville median: $157,089/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Somerville Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $154,920 | +1.40% more |
| National Average | $140,612 | +11.72% more |
Optometrists in Somerville, MA earn a median of $157,089 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.72% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 1.40% above the Massachusetts state average of $154,920.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Somerville has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Somerville, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $157,089 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $144,782 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$128,755
2025 BLS Actual
$152,573
2026 Current Est.
$157,089
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Somerville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $128,755 | Actual |
| 2020 | $131,883 | Actual |
| 2021 | $138,865 | Actual |
| 2022 | $140,306 | Actual |
| 2023 | $147,311 | Actual |
| 2024 | $164,970 | Actual |
| 2025 | $152,573 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $157,089 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $161,739 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Somerville metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $128,755 (2019) to $152,573 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $161,739 by 2027 — a total increase of $32,984 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Somerville 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) | $91,111 – $124,879 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $124,879 – $157,089 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $157,089 – $188,217 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $188,217 – $228,548 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Somerville
Examining the job market, Somerville employs around 20 optometrists, indicating a relatively stable community for this profession. The cost-of-living index sits at 108.5, which suggests that while salaries may be higher than the national average, so are living expenses. Among various employers, private optometry practices tend to offer higher pay, particularly for those with ownership stakes or residency training in ocular disease. Working under the OD/MD model might also present income opportunities through referral revenue sharing, while retail chains like Walmart Vision and LensCrafters often have more structured pay scales that may not be as lucrative. To maximize earning potential in Somerville, optometrists should consider enhancing their skills in specialized areas, pursuing positions in higher-paying practices, or even transitioning to ownership roles in private clinics to capitalize on market demand.
More salary data for Somerville, 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 $152,573 for optometristsin the Somerville 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 Somerville 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