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 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.