Senior Optometrist Salary in Plymouth, MA: $230,557 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of optometrists working in Plymouth, MA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $230,557/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1041. Strip back Plymouth's price premium (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $212,495 in average-cost America. The 48% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Plymouth, Massachusetts, the compensation for senior optometrists significantly reflects their expertise and years of experience. With a projected median annual salary of $156,034 in 2026, seasoned professionals can aspire to substantially higher incomes, particularly at the 90th percentile where top earners can earn as much as $230,557. This notable earning potential starkly contrasts with the median, demonstrating the economic advantage of specialization and high-level roles within the field. Achieving these upper-tier salaries in Plymouth, which boasts an experienced optometrist salary above the national median by 10.97%, often requires not only clinical excellence but also strategic career choices such as gaining advanced certifications or engaging in leadership opportunities within optometry practices.
About the Plymouth Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($150,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Plymouth
Experienced optometrists at the top of the pay scale in Plymouth earn between $189,080 and $230,557 per year (2026 est.). This $140,057 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Plymouth median of $156,034 sits 10.97% above the US median.
Top OD Salary Comparison
| Level | Plymouth | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $156,034 | $140,612 |
| 75th Percentile | $189,080 | $170,008 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $230,557 | $208,165 |
In Plymouth, experienced optometrists (P90) earn 47.76% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Optometrist Pay in Plymouth
Advanced Certifications in Massachusetts
MA optometrists with additional specialty certifications within the optometry field earn significantly above the $156,034 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Plymouth employers.
Specialty Focus
Optometrists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the optometry field in Plymouth command premium compensation, often reaching the $189,080–$230,557 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Plymouth metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced optometrists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured optometrists in Plymouth with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Optometrists in Massachusetts who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Optometrist Career & Wage Growth Path in Plymouth
Clinical Optometrist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Optometrist
5-10 yearsOptometrist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedPlymouth ranks #10 of 59 Massachusetts cities for top earner optometrist salary (90th percentile: $230,557).
Top 10% optometrist compensation in Plymouth ($230,557) is 9.07% above the Massachusetts average P90 ($211,377).
2019 BLS Actual
$214,980
2025 BLS Actual
$223,929
2026 Current Est.
$230,557
2019–2027 Growth
+10.4%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Plymouth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $214,980 | Actual |
| 2020 | $216,874 | Actual |
| 2021 | $213,086 | Actual |
| 2022 | $212,023 | Actual |
| 2023 | $226,056 | Actual |
| 2024 | $246,507 | Actual |
| 2025 | $223,929 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $230,557 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $237,382 | Projected |
Top-earning optometrists (90th percentile) in Plymouth saw their compensation grow 4.2% from $214,980 in 2019 to $223,929 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.96% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $237,382 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Plymouth 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.
Maximizing Your Optometrist Earnings in Plymouth
Salaries for experienced optometrists in Plymouth vary considerably based on specialization and employer type, with specific fields commanding premium pay. Residencies in ocular disease, pediatric optometry, and cornea/contact lens specialties can lead to higher compensation. Private practices, particularly those with an OD/MD model, often provide more lucrative opportunities compared to retail optical chains, which typically offer lower wages. Moreover, pursuing advanced credentials, including residency training or glaucoma certification, enhances one's value in the job market. Leadership positions such as becoming a practice owner or multi-location operator can also elevate senior optometrist pay in MA. Non-salary compensation should not be overlooked either; equity stakes in practices, revenue-sharing arrangements in collaborative care environments, or favorable employment terms from private practices transitioned to private equity ownership can significantly impact overall earnings. Thus, alongside the financial metrics, the overall career strategy and educational background play critical roles in shaping a successful optometry career in Plymouth.
More salary data for Plymouth, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced optometrists make in Plymouth in 2026?
What drives higher optometrist pay in Plymouth?
What certifications boost optometrist salary in Plymouth?
Can experienced optometrists make six figures in Plymouth?
How much does optometrist salary increase over time in Plymouth?
Related Pages
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Nearby Cities in Massachusetts
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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $223,929 for optometrists in the Plymouth metro area. A 2.96% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Plymouth 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