Brattleboro vs South Burlington: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Brattleboro, VT and South Burlington, VT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Brattleboro, VT | South Burlington, VT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $137,880 | $148,705▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $66.29 | $71.50▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,970 | $86,249▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $110,323 | $118,469▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $160,733 | $178,141▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $188,813 | $212,091▲ |
| Total Employed | 6▲ | 4 |
Verdict
South Burlington, VT offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Brattleboro.
The salary gap between Brattleboro and South Burlington is $10,825 (7.85%). South Burlington's median is +5.76% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Brattleboro spans $108,843,South Burlington spans $125,842. South Burlington 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, South Burlington ($143,676 effective) pays 7.85% more than Brattleboro ($133,217 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Brattleboro if…
- ✓Larger job market (6 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Vermont area and lifestyle
Choose South Burlington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($148,705/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($212,091)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $143,676)
- ✓You prefer the Vermont area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Brattleboro grew 5.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 13.6% growth in South Burlington over the same period.
Brattleboro, VT
$127,474 (2024) → $133,916 (2025)
South Burlington, VT
$127,120 (2024) → $144,430 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Brattleboro, VT
South Burlington, VT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Brattleboro or South Burlington?
What is the hourly rate difference between Brattleboro and South Burlington?
Should I relocate from Brattleboro to South Burlington as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Brattleboro vs South Burlington?
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