Optometrist Hourly Pay in Springfield, VA: $67.16 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Springfield, VA runs $67.16 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $139,694 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Springfield's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $65.08 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $83,817 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Springfield, Virginia, the hourly pay for optometrists is projected to be $67.16 in 2026, which slightly trails the national median hourly rate of $67.60. This figure indicates that even part-time optometrists, working three days a week, can earn a competitive wage while also enjoying greater work-life balance. Within this profession, pay can vary significantly, with entry-level optometrists starting around $40.14 per hour, while the top earners can command as much as $97.19 per hour. These estimates are derived from annual salary data, highlighting the potential for substantial earnings in diverse settings, such as private exam rooms, retail optical chains in malls, outpatient eye clinics, and academic teaching environments.
About the Springfield Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40.14 | $321.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55.73 | $445.86 |
| Median (P50) | $67.16 | $537.29 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $80.72 | $645.77 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $97.19 | $777.55 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Springfield
Based on $67.16/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $67.16/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Springfield, VA can expect to earn approximately $139,694 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $80,593. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Springfield.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Springfield
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,686.43 | $11,641 | $139,694 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,611.86 | $6,985 | $83,817 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,074.57 | $4,656 | $55,878 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Springfield) | $67.16 |
| 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 Springfield, VA earn a median of $139,694 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.65% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 3.70% below the Virginia state average of $145,061.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $67.16/hr = $83,817/year (purchasing power: $81,218).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $139,694/year (purchasing power: $135,363).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$55.05/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$65.23/hr
2026 Current Est.
$67.16/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Springfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55.05/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $56.38/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $59.37/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $59.99/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $62.98/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $64.48/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $65.23/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67.16/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69.15/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Springfield grew 18.5% from $55.05/hr (2019) to $65.23/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $69.15/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 Springfield 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 Springfield
Optometrists working part-time in Springfield could realistically bring home around $83,083 annually when working 24 hours a week, significantly less than their full-time counterparts. Per-diem and locum tenens arrangements provide an alternative for optometrists, with daily billing rates that can range from $500 to $1,200 depending on the setting—retail chain fill-ins typically paying less, while specialized ocular disease roles can command higher hourly rates. Differences in pay often reflect employer type, with private practices occasionally offering lower hourly rates but providing benefits such as health insurance. This trade-off can be crucial for professionals deciding where to work based on their financial needs and lifestyle preferences. For those negotiating their pay, being aware of the local market rates and benefits offered at various establishments across Springfield can empower them to secure favorable terms while maintaining competitive remuneration in the optometry field.
More salary data for Springfield, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Springfield 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 Springfield. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Springfield is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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