Optometrist Hourly Pay in Virginia Beach, VA: $75.00 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Virginia Beach, VA runs $75.00 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $155,994 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Virginia Beach's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $72.67 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $93,595 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Virginia Beach, the optometrist hourly pay stands at a median of $75.00, which notably exceeds the national hourly median of $67.60. This competitive rate opens opportunities for both part-time and per-diem workers across various settings, including private optometry exam rooms, retail optical chains, outpatient eye clinics, and university teaching clinics. Those entering the field can expect to earn around $43.50 per hour, while more experienced optometrists can reach up to $114.36 per hour. Given these figures, those working part-time, such as three days a week, will find that the higher hourly pay can significantly enhance their overall income, especially in a market where the rates are projected from annual income data.
About the Virginia Beach 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) | $43.50 | $348.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $58.17 | $465.38 |
| Median (P50) | $75.00 | $599.97 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $92.13 | $737.03 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $114.36 | $914.86 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Virginia Beach
Based on $75.00/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $75.00/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Virginia Beach, VA can expect to earn approximately $155,992 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $89,995. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Virginia Beach.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Virginia Beach
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,999.84 | $12,999 | $155,992 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,799.91 | $7,800 | $93,595 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,199.94 | $5,200 | $62,397 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Virginia Beach) | $75.00 |
| 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 Virginia Beach, VA earn a median of $155,994 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.94% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 7.50% above the Virginia state average of $145,110.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $75.00/hr = $93,595/year (purchasing power: $90,693).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $155,992/year (purchasing power: $151,155).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$57.24/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$72.84/hr
2026 Current Est.
$75.00/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Virginia Beach (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57.24/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $51.70/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $51.06/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $66.98/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $70.33/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $72.00/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $72.84/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $75.00/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $77.22/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Virginia Beach grew 27.3% from $57.24/hr (2019) to $72.84/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $77.22/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 Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach
For part-time optometrists in Virginia Beach, working 24 hours a week translates to an annual income substantially lower than full-time peers, but it can still yield a comfortable living, particularly with an hourly pay structure that rewards skilled practitioners. Per diem optometrists, filling in at retail chains, can earn between $500-$800 per day, while those working in OD/MD practices often see rates ranging from $700 to $1,200, depending on their training and location. With market demand growing due to an expanded scope of practice, including glaucoma and oral medication management, the types of employment available impact compensation. Optometrists may choose lower hourly rates that come with health insurance benefits over higher pay without such perks. To negotiate effectively, professionals in this sector should leverage their credentials, training, and specialty experiences when discussing pay with potential employers, particularly as Virginia Beach grows as a center for optometric care.
More salary data for Virginia Beach, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Virginia Beach in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Virginia Beach?
Are optometrists in Virginia Beach paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Virginia Beach?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Virginia Beach?
Related Pages
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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 Virginia Beach. 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 Virginia Beach 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