Optometrist Hourly Pay in Burlington, VT: $71.14 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Burlington, VT runs $71.14 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $147,954 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Burlington's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.9, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $70.47 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $88,777 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Burlington, Vermont, the projected median hourly pay for optometrists is $71.14, which is significantly higher than the national median of $67.60. This rate opens up various opportunities for part-time and per-diem work within the local healthcare landscape. For those working three days a week, the potential exists to earn substantial income while enjoying a flexible schedule, making it ideal for those balancing multiple commitments or pursuing further education. The hourly pay range for optometrists in Burlington stretches from $50.30 at the entry-level to $123.76 for highly experienced practitioners, indicating a robust earning potential across varying skill levels and employment settings, such as private optometry exam rooms, retail optical chains, and university clinics. This data comes from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $50.30 | $402.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $63.87 | $510.93 |
| Median (P50) | $71.14 | $569.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $94.46 | $755.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $123.76 | $990.06 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Burlington
Based on $71.14/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $71.14/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Burlington, VT can expect to earn approximately $147,961 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $85,362. With a cost-of-living index of 100.95 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Burlington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Burlington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,845.40 | $12,330 | $147,961 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,707.24 | $7,398 | $88,777 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,138.16 | $4,932 | $59,184 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Burlington) | $71.14 |
| Dentist, General (National Avg) | $79.54 |
| Pharmacist (National Avg) | $66.51 |
| Opticians, Dispensing (National Avg) | $21.11 |
| Physician Assistant (National Avg) | $64.13 |
Optometrists in Burlington, VT earn a median of $147,954 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.22% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 1.70% above the Vermont state average of $145,480.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $71.14/hr = $88,777/year (purchasing power: $87,942).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $147,961/year (purchasing power: $146,570).
CoL index: 100.949 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$58.30/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$69.09/hr
2026 Current Est.
$71.14/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Burlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58.30/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $59.72/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $48.48/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $63.54/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $66.71/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $75.00/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $69.09/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71.14/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73.24/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Burlington grew 18.5% from $58.30/hr (2019) to $69.09/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $73.24/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem optometrists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
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.
Working as an Hourly Optometrist in Burlington
Considering part-time work, an optometrist in Burlington averaging three 8-hour shifts weekly could take home a notable income, though it would be less than that of a full-time colleague. Per diem optometrists in Burlington can command impressive daily rates, billing anywhere from $500 to $800 at retail optical chains and up to $1,200 in OD/MD practices. These per diem roles often cater to the fluctuating demands of the visual healthcare system and attract practitioners keen on enjoying the flexibility of locum tenens positions. Moreover, hourly pay can significantly differ depending on the employer, with retail optical chains, private practices, and hospital systems all offering varying compensation rates. Understanding the trade-off between higher hourly pay and the benefits associated with full-time roles is essential for job seekers. Optometrists looking to negotiate their pay should align their discussions with regional averages while considering the current healthcare trends and the overall availability of positions in Burlington, VT.
More salary data for Burlington, VT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Burlington in 2026?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.96% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for optometrists in Burlington. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
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