Bennington vs Essex Junction: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Bennington, VT and Essex Junction, VT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bennington, VT | Essex Junction, VT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $139,456▲ | $137,584 |
| Hourly Rate | $67.05▲ | $66.14 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,884▲ | $79,799 |
| 25th Percentile | $113,572 | $115,127▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $164,233 | $164,922▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $194,328 | $196,396▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 6 |
Verdict
Bennington, VT offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 2 out of 4 metrics compared to Essex Junction.
The salary gap between Bennington and Essex Junction is $1,872 (1.36%). Bennington's median is -0.82% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bennington spans $113,444,Essex Junction spans $116,597. Essex Junction has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced optometrists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Bennington ($134,740 effective) pays 1.36% more than Essex Junction ($132,931 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bennington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($139,456/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $134,740)
- ✓You prefer the Vermont area and lifestyle
Choose Essex Junction if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($196,396)
- ✓You prefer the Vermont area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Bennington grew 5.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 5.1% growth in Essex Junction over the same period.
Bennington, VT
$128,931 (2024) → $135,447 (2025)
Essex Junction, VT
$127,200 (2024) → $133,629 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bennington, VT
Essex Junction, VT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Bennington or Essex Junction?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bennington and Essex Junction?
Should I relocate from Bennington to Essex Junction as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Bennington vs Essex Junction?
Written by Aisha Patel, OD
Career Analyst
Aisha Patel has 10 years of experience in optometry. She specializes in pediatric vision care. Aisha works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.96% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Aisha Patel, OD, a licensed optometrist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov