Optometrist Salary in Maryland
Based on 780+ workers in Maryland
Median Annual Salary (MD)
$165,840
$79.73/hr
vs National Average
$136,108
+21.8% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$51K – $215K
780 employed in Maryland
Optometrist salary in Maryland averages $165,840 annually, positioning the state as a lucrative market for eye care professionals. With approximately 780 optometrists currently employed in Maryland, this median wage stands 22% above the national average, reflecting strong demand and competitive compensation in the state's healthcare sector.
Several factors influence optometrist salary in Maryland, including years of experience, practice setting, and geographic location within the state. Specialists who own their own practices or work in high-demand urban areas typically earn toward the upper end of the $50,560 to $215,420 range. Additionally, continuing education credentials and patient base size can meaningfully impact total compensation and earning potential.
Salary Distribution — Optometrist in Maryland
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $50,560 |
| 25th percentile | $81,780 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $165,840 |
| 75th percentile | $201,810 |
| 90th percentile | $215,420 |
Top-Paying Industries for Optometrist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Optometrists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Optometrists in Maryland tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $166,410 | 60 |
| Administrative and Support Services | $160,100 | — |
| Retail Trade | $159,250 | 6K |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $134,370 | 36K |
| Educational Services | $124,280 | 110 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Optometrist in Maryland vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Maryland) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $134,070 |
| 2023 | $163,510 |
| 2024 | $157,830 |
| 2025 | $165,840 |
| 2026 (projected) | $174,257 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Maryland Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $134,070 | $121,162 |
| 2023 | $163,510 | $129,589 |
| 2024 | $157,830 | $131,624 |
| 2025 | $165,840 | $136,108 |
| 2026 (projected) | $174,257 | $143,016 |
Optometrist Salary by Experience Level in Maryland
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $81,780 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $165,840 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $201,810 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $215,420 |
Optometrist Salary in Other States
Related Optometrist Salaries in Maryland
How other high-demand occupations in Maryland compare to Optometrist ($165,840 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Optometrist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radiologist in MD | $581,510 | +250.6% | $279.57/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in MD | $451,620 | +172.3% | $217.13/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in MD | $418,010 | +152.1% | $200.97/hr |
| Cardiologist in MD | $337,230 | +103.3% | $162.13/hr |
| Surgeon in MD | $328,700 | +98.2% | $158.03/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in MD | $306,310 | +84.7% | $147.26/hr |
| Psychiatrist in MD | $305,320 | +84.1% | $146.79/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in MD | $285,730 | +72.3% | $137.37/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in MD | $260,410 | +57.0% | $125.20/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in MD | $223,140 | +34.6% | $107.28/hr |
| Podiatrist in MD | $201,940 | +21.8% | $97.09/hr |
| Pediatrician in MD | $181,640 | +9.5% | $87.33/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make in Maryland?
- The median salary for optometrists in Maryland is $165,840 per year, or $80 per hour. This is 21.8% higher than the national average, making Maryland a particularly lucrative state for this profession.
What is the salary range for optometrists in Maryland?
- Optometrist salaries in Maryland range from $50,560 at the lower end to $215,420 at the higher end. This wide range reflects differences in experience, location within the state, and individual practice success.
How many optometrists are employed in Maryland?
- There are approximately 780 optometrists currently employed in Maryland. This represents a stable job market for eye care professionals in the state.
Is Maryland a good state for optometrist salaries?
- Yes, Maryland offers competitive optometrist salaries with a median of $165,840 annually, which is over 21% above the national average. This makes it one of the more rewarding states for optometrists seeking higher compensation.