Healthcare Cambridge, MA Pop. 118,403

Optometrist Salary in Cambridge, Massachusetts

The median optometrist salary in Cambridge, MA is $210,991 per year, which is 68.0% above the national median and 17.5% above the Massachusetts state average.

City Median
$210,991
vs State Avg
+$31,397
vs National
+$85,401
Cost of Living
160%

Optometrist Pay in Cambridge: What to Expect (2026)

Cambridge offers a median optometrist salary of $210,991, which is $31,397 above the Massachusetts state average of $179,594. Compared to the national median of $125,590, Cambridge pays above average for this role.

However, Cambridge's cost of living index is 160%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $210,991 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $131,869. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Cambridge should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for optometrists in Cambridge spans from $131,040 at the 10th percentile to $322,560 at the 90th percentile — a $191,520 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $137,760, while senior optometrists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $299,040. With a population of 118,403, Cambridge is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Optometrist Salary in Cambridge by Experience

In Cambridge, an entry-level optometrist earns around $137,760, while experienced professionals earn up to $299,040 per year. The local cost of living index is 160% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$137,760
+$55,760 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$215,040
+$87,040 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$299,040
+$121,040 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Cambridge, MA

Percentile Cambridge
10th Percentile $131,040
25th Percentile $168,000
Median (50th) $210,991
75th Percentile $265,440
90th Percentile $322,560

Optometrist Salary in Other Massachusetts Cities

Boston, MA
$200,944
Pop. 675,647
Worcester, MA
$148,196
Pop. 206,518
Lowell, MA
$141,917
Pop. 115,554
Springfield, MA
$133,125
Pop. 155,929

How to Become a Optometrist in Cambridge

Education

Most optometrist positions require a doctoral degree. Cambridge and the surrounding Massachusetts 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 Cambridge may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Optometrist Jobs in Cambridge

Browse open optometrist positions in Cambridge, MA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Optometrist Salary in Cambridge

How much does a Optometrist make in Cambridge, MA? ▼
The median optometrist salary in Cambridge, Massachusetts is $210,991 per year, which is 68.0% above the national median of $125,590. Salaries range from $131,040 (10th percentile) to $322,560 (90th percentile).
How much does a Optometrist make per hour in Cambridge? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $210,991, a optometrist in Cambridge earns approximately $101 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Cambridge compare to the Massachusetts state average for optometrist pay? ▼
Cambridge's median optometrist salary of $210,991 is 17.5% above the Massachusetts state average of $179,594. The local cost of living index is 160% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Cambridge, MA? ▼
Cambridge has a cost of living index of 160% compared to the national average. This means a optometrist salary of $210,991 in Cambridge has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a optometrist in Cambridge? ▼
Most optometrist positions in Cambridge 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.