Healthcare Silver Spring, MD Pop. 81,015

Optometrist Salary in Silver Spring, Maryland

The median optometrist salary in Silver Spring, MD is $158,243 per year, which is 26.0% above the national median and 10.5% above the Maryland state average.

City Median
$158,243
vs State Avg
+$15,070
vs National
+$32,653
Cost of Living
122%

Optometrist Pay in Silver Spring: What to Expect (2026)

Silver Spring offers a median optometrist salary of $158,243, which is $15,070 above the Maryland state average of $143,173. Compared to the national median of $125,590, Silver Spring pays above average for this role.

However, Silver Spring's cost of living index is 122%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $158,243 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $129,707. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Silver Spring should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for optometrists in Silver Spring spans from $98,280 at the 10th percentile to $241,920 at the 90th percentile — a $143,640 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $103,320, while senior optometrists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $224,280. Silver Spring is a smaller market (pop. 81,015), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Optometrist Salary in Silver Spring by Experience

In Silver Spring, an entry-level optometrist earns around $103,320, while experienced professionals earn up to $224,280 per year. The local cost of living index is 122% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$103,320
+$21,320 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$161,280
+$33,280 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$224,280
+$46,280 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Silver Spring, MD

Percentile Silver Spring
10th Percentile $98,280
25th Percentile $126,000
Median (50th) $158,243
75th Percentile $199,080
90th Percentile $241,920

Optometrist Salary in Other Maryland Cities

Columbia, MD
$153,220
Pop. 104,681
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 Silver Spring

Education

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

Find Optometrist Jobs in Silver Spring

Browse open optometrist positions in Silver Spring, MD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Optometrist Salary in Silver Spring

How much does a Optometrist make in Silver Spring, MD? ▼
The median optometrist salary in Silver Spring, Maryland is $158,243 per year, which is 26.0% above the national median of $125,590. Salaries range from $98,280 (10th percentile) to $241,920 (90th percentile).
How much does a Optometrist make per hour in Silver Spring? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $158,243, a optometrist in Silver Spring earns approximately $76 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Silver Spring compare to the Maryland state average for optometrist pay? ▼
Silver Spring's median optometrist salary of $158,243 is 10.5% above the Maryland state average of $143,173. The local cost of living index is 122% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Silver Spring, MD? ▼
Silver Spring has a cost of living index of 122% compared to the national average. This means a optometrist salary of $158,243 in Silver Spring has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a optometrist in Silver Spring? ▼
Most optometrist positions in Silver Spring 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.