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Optometrist Salary in Baltimore, MD

How much does a optometrist make in Baltimore? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Baltimore's cost of living.

Median Salary
$156,610
per year in Baltimore
Entry Level
$94,724
Starting salary
Senior Level
$214,707
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
110
10% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how optometrist salaries break down across different pay periods in Baltimore.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$94,724$156,610$214,707
Monthly$7,894$13,051$17,892
Biweekly$3,643$6,023$8,258
Weekly$1,822$3,012$4,129
Hourly$46$75$103

Baltimore vs National Average

How Baltimore's optometrist salaries compare to national figures.

Baltimore Salary
$156,610
COL Index: 110
National Average
$128,680
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$27,930
Higher in Baltimore

Cost of Living in Baltimore

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,550
per month
Median Income
$54,328
per year
Population
585,708
residents
Rent % of Income
34.2%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 110 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Baltimore have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Optometrist

Overview

Perform eye exams and prescribe corrective lenses and treatments.

Education

Doctor of Optometry (OD); licensure required

Key Skills

Eye ExaminationLens PrescriptionPatient CareDiagnostic Skills

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +14% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Optometrist Salary

See Optometrist salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$160,520
+2%
Los Angeles, CA
$137,070
-12%
Chicago, IL
$138,510
-12%
Houston, TX
$124,780
-20%
Phoenix, AZ
$134,430
-14%

Financial Tools to Explore

Use these Pulsafi calculators to understand your finances based on a optometrist salary in Baltimore.

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Cost of Living Calculator

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Optometrist Salary in Baltimore, MD — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a optometrist in Baltimore, MD is $156,610 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 110. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Baltimore's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level optometrist professionals in Baltimore can expect to earn around $94,724 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level optometrists earning approximately $214,707 per year. This represents a 127% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Baltimore's cost of living index of 110 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Baltimore are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $128,680, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a optometrist's salary in Baltimore typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,550 per month, housing represents about 11.9% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Optometrists are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 14% over the next decade. In Baltimore, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024Metro-level wage data for this occupation and area
Data source: Salary data on this page are sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program May 2024 estimates. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.