Optometrist Salary in Waltham, MA: $150,806 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Waltham, MA earns a median $150,806/year (≈ $72.50/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Waltham's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $138,992 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.7% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, optometrists in Waltham, Massachusetts, can expect a median annual salary of $150,806, reflecting the impressive earning potential for this profession in the region. With a salary range from $87,468 at the 10th percentile to $222,132 at the 90th percentile, the local compensation varies significantly based on experience, specialty, and practice setting. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost factors, suggest that Waltham provides a competitive wage for optometrists, particularly as the scope of practice continues to broaden. As optometrists gain the authority to manage conditions like glaucoma and prescribe oral medications, the demand for skilled practitioners is likely to grow, creating promising opportunities for current and aspiring ODs in Waltham.
About the Waltham Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($150,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $87,468 | $42.05 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $121,520 | $58.42 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $150,806 | $72.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $185,626 | $89.25 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $222,132 | $106.79 |
Median Salary Position
7.25% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Waltham
In Waltham, MA, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $134,664 (2026 est.). At $150,806, the local median is 7.25% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Waltham: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Waltham Optometrist Pay Compares
Waltham median: $150,806/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Waltham Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $154,990 | -2.70% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | +7.25% more |
Optometrists in Waltham, MA earn a median of $150,806 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.25% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 2.70% below the Massachusetts state average of $154,990.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Waltham has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Waltham, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $150,806 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $138,992 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$123,605
2025 BLS Actual
$146,470
2026 Current Est.
$150,806
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Waltham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $123,605 | Actual |
| 2020 | $126,607 | Actual |
| 2021 | $133,311 | Actual |
| 2022 | $134,694 | Actual |
| 2023 | $141,419 | Actual |
| 2024 | $158,371 | Actual |
| 2025 | $146,470 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $150,806 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $155,269 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Waltham metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $123,605 (2019) to $146,470 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $155,269 by 2027 — a total increase of $31,664 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Waltham 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) | $87,468 – $121,520 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $121,520 – $150,806 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $150,806 – $185,626 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $185,626 – $222,132 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Waltham
Assessing the local job market reveals a small but focused community of 11 employed optometrists, indicating a niche environment where practitioners might compete for clientele and enhance their earning potential. The cost of living in Waltham, with an index of 108.5, suggests that while salaries are respectable, the increased expenses can impact purchasing power. Among local employers, private optometry practices usually offer higher compensation compared to retail chains like LensCrafters or Visionworks, especially for residency-trained optometrists who can leverage their advanced skills in medical and surgical settings. The income disparity in Waltham can often be attributed to factors such as practice ownership equity and collaboration models with ophthalmologists. Aspiring optometrists are encouraged to focus on enhancing their skill set, particularly with clinical residencies, and to explore positions in privately-owned practices or integrated care settings to maximize their earning potential in this vibrant market.
More salary data for Waltham, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can optometrists make $100K in Waltham?
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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 $146,470 for optometristsin the Waltham 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 Waltham 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