Healthcare Baltimore, MD Pop. 585,708

Optometrist Salary in Baltimore, Maryland

The median optometrist salary in Baltimore, MD is $140,661 per year, which is 12.0% above the national median and 1.8% below the Maryland state average.

City Median
$140,661
vs State Avg
$-2,512
vs National
+$15,071
Cost of Living
108%

Optometrist Pay in Baltimore: What to Expect (2026)

Baltimore offers a median optometrist salary of $140,661, which is $2,512 below the Maryland state average of $143,173. Compared to the national median of $125,590, Baltimore pays above average for this role.

Baltimore's cost of living is 108% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for optometrists in Baltimore spans from $87,360 at the 10th percentile to $215,040 at the 90th percentile — a $127,680 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $91,840, while senior optometrists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $199,360. As a major metro area with a population of 585,708, Baltimore typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Optometrist Salary in Baltimore by Experience

In Baltimore, an entry-level optometrist earns around $91,840, while experienced professionals earn up to $199,360 per year. The local cost of living index is 108% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$91,840
+$9,840 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$143,360
+$15,360 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$199,360
+$21,360 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Baltimore, MD

Percentile Baltimore
10th Percentile $87,360
25th Percentile $112,000
Median (50th) $140,661
75th Percentile $176,960
90th Percentile $215,040

Optometrist Salary in Other Maryland Cities

Silver Spring, MD
$158,243
Pop. 81,015
Columbia, MD
$153,220
Pop. 104,681
Germantown, MD
$149,452
Pop. 90,676
Waldorf, MD
$136,893
Pop. 77,000

How to Become a Optometrist in Baltimore

Education

Most optometrist positions require a doctoral degree. Baltimore and the surrounding Maryland area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Eye ExaminationRefractionContact Lens FittingOcular DiseasePatient EducationDiagnostic Equipment

Job Outlook

Nationally, optometrist employment is projected to grow 9% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Baltimore may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Optometrist Jobs in Baltimore

Browse open optometrist positions in Baltimore, MD:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Optometrist Salary in Baltimore

How much does a Optometrist make in Baltimore, MD? ▼
The median optometrist salary in Baltimore, Maryland is $140,661 per year, which is 12.0% above the national median of $125,590. Salaries range from $87,360 (10th percentile) to $215,040 (90th percentile).
How much does a Optometrist make per hour in Baltimore? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $140,661, a optometrist in Baltimore earns approximately $68 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Baltimore compare to the Maryland state average for optometrist pay? ▼
Baltimore's median optometrist salary of $140,661 is 1.8% below the Maryland state average of $143,173. The local cost of living index is 108% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Baltimore, MD? ▼
Baltimore has a cost of living index of 108% compared to the national average. This means a optometrist salary of $140,661 in Baltimore has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a optometrist in Baltimore? ▼
Most optometrist positions in Baltimore require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Eye Examination, Refraction, Contact Lens Fitting, Ocular Disease. The job market is projected to grow 9% nationally over the next decade.