Bennington vs Montpelier: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Bennington, VT and Montpelier, VT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bennington, VT | Montpelier, VT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $139,456▲ | $134,038 |
| Hourly Rate | $67.05▲ | $64.44 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,884▲ | $79,788 |
| 25th Percentile | $113,572▲ | $107,859 |
| 75th Percentile | $164,233▲ | $156,630 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $194,328▲ | $184,803 |
| Total Employed | 6▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Bennington, VT offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Montpelier.
The salary gap between Bennington and Montpelier is $5,418 (4.04%). 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,Montpelier spans $105,015. Bennington has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Bennington ($134,740 effective) pays 4.04% more than Montpelier ($129,505 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 top-earner potential ($194,328)
- ✓Larger job market (6 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $134,740)
- ✓You prefer the Vermont area and lifestyle
Choose Montpelier if…
- ✓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 Montpelier over the same period.
Bennington, VT
$128,931 (2024) → $135,447 (2025)
Montpelier, VT
$123,922 (2024) → $130,185 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bennington, VT
Montpelier, VT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Bennington or Montpelier?
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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