Average Optometrists Salary in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD
Optometrists in the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD area earn an average annual salary of $135,010. This figure is slightly below the national average of $141,560, suggesting a nuanced compensation landscape influenced by local economic factors and demand within the region. While not reaching the national peak, this salary reflects the specialized skills and responsibilities inherent in the optometry profession within this metropolitan area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $135,010 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 60.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $194,160.
- Outlook: The Baltimore-Columbia-Towson metropolitan area supports a dedicated workforce of 430 Optometrists. With a Location Quotient of 1.17, this indicates a slightly higher concentration of these professionals compared to the national average, suggesting a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, job market. The presence of 0.317 jobs per 1,000 workers signifies consistent opportunities for skilled optometrists within this region.
Salary Overview
The average Optometrists in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD earns-4.6%below the national average.
$64.9
$2,596
$11,251
Optometrists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this locality isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Optometrists in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson have seen a steady upward trend over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Factors such as increasing healthcare demands, technological advancements in eye care, and general inflation likely contribute to incremental salary growth for experienced professionals in this field.
Optometrists Salary Distribution in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD
Career progression for Optometrists in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson typically involves a significant salary increase from entry-level to senior positions. While exact figures vary, the difference between the lowest and highest earners can be substantial, reflecting the accumulation of experience, specialization, and potentially practice ownership. These percentile gaps are key indicators of the career trajectory and earning potential available within the profession.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $47,500 | $22.8 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $101,258 | $48.7 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $156,610 | $75.3 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $168,763 | $81.1 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $194,160 | $93.3 |
Detailed Optometrists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$135,010
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$135,010
Adjusted for COL (100)
An average annual salary of $135,010 in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living, which is indexed at 100. This means that the purchasing power of an optometrist's income in this region is comparable to that of an optometrist earning the national average in a similarly priced area. Consequently, relocation to this area does not present an immediate financial advantage or disadvantage based solely on cost of living.
Job Market Context
430
Total Jobs
0.317
Per 1K Jobs
1.17
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.17, Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Optometrists roles compared to the national norm.
The Location Quotient of 1.17 for Optometrists in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson indicates a healthy concentration of these professionals, slightly above the national average. This suggests a competitive market where demand is met by a robust supply of talent. While not indicating a shortage, it points to a stable environment where experienced and specialized optometrists are likely to find consistent employment opportunities.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Optometrists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV Optometrists Salary | $167,900↑ 24% | 35 mi |
| York-Hanover, PA Optometrists Salary | $137,300↑ 2% | 47 mi |
| Lancaster, PA Optometrists Salary | $122,660↓ 9% | 55 mi |
Comparing salaries near Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD
Hiring Optometristss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Optometrists make in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD?
The median annual salary for a Optometrists in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD is $135,010. This typically ranges from $47,500 for entry-level positions to $194,160 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD is 4.6% lower than the national median of $141,560.
Is Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD a lucrative place for Optometrists?
Yes, it offers a competitive salary.Optometrists in this area earn $135,010 annually, which is competitive given the national average cost of living. The slightly higher concentration of optometrists suggests a stable job market with consistent demand.
Is Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD a good place to live for Optometrists?
The Cost of Living Index in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD?
Some top paying nearby cities include Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($167,900) and York-Hanover, PA.
How does the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Optometrists in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson is $135,010, which is slightly lower than the national average of $141,560.
What is the cost of living in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson for Optometrists?
The cost of living index in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning your salary has average purchasing power.
How concentrated are Optometrists in this area compared to the rest of the US?
The Location Quotient of 1.17 indicates that Optometrists are slightly more concentrated in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson than the national average, suggesting a stable job market.
What is the total number of Optometrists in the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson area?
There are approximately 430 Optometrists employed within the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 430 employees in the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD area with a job density of 0.317 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Optometrists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD