Entry-Level Optometrist Salary in Burlington, VT: $104,618 (2026)
Quick Answer:New optometrists entering the Burlington, VT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $104,618 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1041, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Burlington's local price level (BEA RPP 100.9 — 1% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $103,635 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($147,954) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In Burlington, Vermont, the starting optometrist salary for new graduates in 2026 is projected to be approximately $104,618. Although this figure may initially seem modest compared to the city’s median annual salary of $147,954, it reflects a solid entry point into the profession. For early-career optometrists, there is potential for salary growth, with averages increasing to around $132,849 as they accumulate experience and build their clientele over the first few years. Given Burlington's relatively favorable job market for optometrists, along with a steady growth rate of 2.96% in this occupation, new graduates can feel optimistic about their prospects in this vibrant city.
Career Earnings Timeline in Burlington
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Burlington
Entry-level optometrists in Burlington, VT typically start between $104,618 and $132,849 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $152,803 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $147,954 — 5.22% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average optometry program cost in Vermont of $175,000 represents just 167.28% of the starting optometrist pay ($104,618/year) in Burlington. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on ACOE-accredited Doctor of Optometry programs. Public school OD programs offer lower in-state tuition, while private institutions carry higher out-of-pocket costs. Totals reflect tuition and fees for the 4-year professional program; clinical rotation travel and living costs add to the total cost of attendance.
OD Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Burlington
- 1Research the Burlington market: entry-level optometrist pay ranges from $104,618 to $132,849, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the optometry field — employers in VT often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Burlington, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Burlington for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Burlington's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Optometrist Compensation Range
The optometrist wage spread in Burlington is $152,803 ( 146.06%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $104,618, experienced hygienists can earn up to $257,421.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$80,343
2025 BLS Actual
$101,610
2026 Current Est.
$104,618
2019–2027 Growth
+34.1%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Burlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $80,343 | Actual |
| 2020 | $82,447 | Actual |
| 2021 | $78,850 | Actual |
| 2022 | $84,347 | Actual |
| 2023 | $88,188 | Actual |
| 2024 | $60,670 | Actual |
| 2025 | $101,610 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $104,618 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $107,714 | Projected |
Entry-level optometrist compensation (10th percentile) in Burlington, VT grew 26.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $80,343 in 2019 to $101,610 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $107,714. New graduates entering the Burlington job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burlington metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.96% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your optometry Career in Burlington
Employers actively seeking to hire new graduates in Burlington include retail chains such as LensCrafters, Visionworks, and MyEyeDr, which typically offer structured onboarding and mentorship as part of their hiring programs. Additionally, private practices are becoming more selective, often looking for candidates who are residency-trained or willing to invest in practice ownership. To maximize starting pay in Vermont, obtaining an OD degree from an ACOE-accredited institution, passing the NBEO Parts I-III, and securing state licensure are essential steps. Continuing education can also enhance credentials, especially in specialized areas such as glaucoma management and oral pharmaceuticals, which are gaining recognition across the U.S. As new optometrists navigate their first few years in this expanding field, they can anticipate realistic salary growth as they establish their practices, leveraging the evolving scope of practice that now includes a wider range of treatments.
More salary data for Burlington, VT:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new optometry graduates. A 2.96% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Burlington. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 3-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.96%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for optometrists (SOC 29-1041).
Compiled and verified by Aisha Patel, OD, a licensed optometrist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov