Optometrist Salary

Chesapeake vs Linton Hall: Optometrist Salary (2026)

Compare optometrist salaries between Chesapeake, VA and Linton Hall, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Chesapeake, VA
$150,045
$72.13/hr
Linton Hall, VA
$138,895
$66.78/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricChesapeake, VALinton Hall, VA
Median Salary$150,045$138,895
Hourly Rate$72.13$66.78
Entry Level (P10)$87,026$81,129
25th Percentile$121,676$114,290
75th Percentile$189,987$166,017
Top Earner (P90)$232,569$199,486
Total Employed637
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Chesapeake ($150,045) and Linton Hall ($138,895) optometrist salaries.ChesapeakeLinton HallMedian Salary$150,045$138,895Entry Level (P10)$87,026$81,129Top Earner (P90)$232,569$199,486US Median $140,612

Verdict

Chesapeake, VA offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Linton Hall.

The salary gap between Chesapeake and Linton Hall is $11,150 (8.03%). Chesapeake's median is +6.71% compared to the US national median of $140,612.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chesapeake spans $145,543,Linton Hall spans $118,357. Chesapeake has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Chesapeake
P10 (Entry)$87,026
P25$121,676
Median$150,045
P75$189,987
P90 (Top)$232,569
Linton Hall
P10 (Entry)$81,129
P25$114,290
Median$138,895
P75$166,017
P90 (Top)$199,486

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Chesapeake ($145,392 effective) pays 8.03% more than Linton Hall ($134,588 effective).

Chesapeake
Nominal: $150,045
CoL Index: 103.2
Adjusted: $145,392
Linton Hall
Nominal: $138,895
CoL Index: 103.2
Adjusted: $134,588

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Chesapeake if…

  • Higher median salary ($150,045/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($232,569)
  • Larger job market (63 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $145,392)
  • You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle

Choose Linton Hall if…

  • You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Chesapeake grew 1.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 1.2% growth in Linton Hall over the same period.

Chesapeake, VA

+1.2%

$144,056 (2024) → $145,731 (2025)

Linton Hall, VA

+1.2%

$133,351 (2024) → $134,902 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays optometrists more: Chesapeake or Linton Hall?

Chesapeake has a higher median optometrist salary at $150,045/year, compared to Linton Hall at $138,895/year — a difference of $11,150 (8.03%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Chesapeake and Linton Hall?

Chesapeake optometrists earn $72.13/hr while Linton Hall hygienists earn $66.78/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Chesapeake to Linton Hall as a optometrist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Chesapeake and Linton Hall. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Chesapeake = $145,392, Linton Hall = $134,588), job availability (63 vs 7 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level optometrists earn in Chesapeake vs Linton Hall?

Entry-level (10th percentile) optometrists earn $87,026 in Chesapeake and $81,129 in Linton Hall. The Chesapeake area offers higher starting salaries.
AP

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.

Clinically reviewed by Rajiv Kumar, ODData verified by Sofia Martinez, OD

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