Healthcare Columbia, MD Pop. 104,681

Optometrist Salary in Columbia, Maryland

The median optometrist salary in Columbia, MD is $153,220 per year, which is 22.0% above the national median and 7.0% above the Maryland state average.

City Median
$153,220
vs State Avg
+$10,047
vs National
+$27,630
Cost of Living
118%

Optometrist Pay in Columbia: What to Expect (2026)

Columbia offers a median optometrist salary of $153,220, which is $10,047 above the Maryland state average of $143,173. Compared to the national median of $125,590, Columbia pays above average for this role.

However, Columbia's cost of living index is 118%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $153,220 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $129,847. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Columbia should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for optometrists in Columbia spans from $95,160 at the 10th percentile to $234,240 at the 90th percentile — a $139,080 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $100,040, while senior optometrists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $217,160. With a population of 104,681, Columbia is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Optometrist Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, an entry-level optometrist earns around $100,040, while experienced professionals earn up to $217,160 per year. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$100,040
+$18,040 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$156,160
+$28,160 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$217,160
+$39,160 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbia, MD

Percentile Columbia
10th Percentile $95,160
25th Percentile $122,000
Median (50th) $153,220
75th Percentile $192,760
90th Percentile $234,240

Optometrist Salary in Other Maryland Cities

Silver Spring, MD
$158,243
Pop. 81,015
Germantown, MD
$149,452
Pop. 90,676
Baltimore, MD
$140,661
Pop. 585,708
Waldorf, MD
$136,893
Pop. 77,000

How to Become a Optometrist in Columbia

Education

Most optometrist positions require a doctoral degree. Columbia 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 Columbia may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Optometrist Jobs in Columbia

Browse open optometrist positions in Columbia, MD:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Optometrist Salary in Columbia

How much does a Optometrist make in Columbia, MD? ▼
The median optometrist salary in Columbia, Maryland is $153,220 per year, which is 22.0% above the national median of $125,590. Salaries range from $95,160 (10th percentile) to $234,240 (90th percentile).
How much does a Optometrist make per hour in Columbia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $153,220, a optometrist in Columbia earns approximately $74 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbia compare to the Maryland state average for optometrist pay? ▼
Columbia's median optometrist salary of $153,220 is 7.0% above the Maryland state average of $143,173. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Columbia, MD? ▼
Columbia has a cost of living index of 118% compared to the national average. This means a optometrist salary of $153,220 in Columbia has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a optometrist in Columbia? ▼
Most optometrist positions in Columbia 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.