Salem vs Virginia Beach: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Salem, VA and Virginia Beach, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Salem, VA | Virginia Beach, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $140,697 | $155,994▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $67.64 | $75.00▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,604 | $90,476▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $117,994 | $121,005▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $165,124 | $191,627▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $196,549 | $237,856▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 97▲ |
Verdict
Virginia Beach, VA offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Salem.
The salary gap between Salem and Virginia Beach is $15,297 (10.87%). Virginia Beach's median is +10.94% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Salem spans $114,945,Virginia Beach spans $147,380. Virginia Beach 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, Virginia Beach ($151,157 effective) pays 10.87% more than Salem ($136,334 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Salem if…
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Virginia Beach if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($155,994/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($237,856)
- ✓Larger job market (97 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $151,157)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Salem grew 1.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 27.3% growth in Virginia Beach over the same period.
Salem, VA
$135,081 (2024) → $136,652 (2025)
Virginia Beach, VA
$119,050 (2019) → $151,509 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Virginia Beach, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Salem or Virginia Beach?
What is the hourly rate difference between Salem and Virginia Beach?
Should I relocate from Salem to Virginia Beach as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Salem vs Virginia Beach?
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