Optometrist Salary in District of Columbia: $159,269 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across District of Columbia's 1 metropolitan areas, the average median optometrist pay sits at $159,269/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 29-1041. Because District of Columbia sits at BEA RPP 117.0 (17% above the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $136,127 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Washington ($154,690).
In 2026, the average median salary for optometrists in the District of Columbia is projected to be $159,269, which is 13.3% higher than the national median of $140,612. Interestingly, Washington is both the highest and lowest-paying city for optometrists, with no variation in salary at $159,269. This consistency can be attributed to the centralized nature of the job market and similar demand across the metropolitan area. Optometrists in D.C. face specific licensing requirements and scope of practice laws that are among the more progressive in the country, allowing for a wider range of services compared to many other states. This can drive demand for their services, contributing to their higher salaries relative to national averages. The job market for optometrists in the District of Columbia is projected to experience a growth rate of 2.96% annually, indicating a steady increase in employment opportunities. With a total of 770 optometrists currently employed, the outlook remains positive, reflecting both a stable demand for eye care services and an evolving healthcare landscape. Overall, the combination of competitive salaries, strong job growth, and favorable practice conditions positions D.C. favorably for those pursuing a career in optometry.
District of Columbia Optometrist Salary Range
Overall salary range in District of Columbia: $55,722 (lowest entry-level) to $230,672 (highest top earner)
District of Columbia vs National Average
District of Columbia optometrists earn 13.27% more than the national median (+$18,657/year difference).
District of Columbia Optometrist Salary Distribution (2026)
Optometrist salaries in District of Columbia range from $55,722 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $230,672 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $159,269. The District of Columbia median is $18,657 above the US national median of $140,612. The average hourly rate is $76.57/hr. Approximately 770 optometrists are employed across 1 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$126,320
2025 BLS Actual
$154,690
2026 Current Est.
$159,269
2019–2027 Growth
+29.8%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in District of Columbia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $126,320 | Actual |
| 2020 | $124,150 | Actual |
| 2021 | $129,290 | Actual |
| 2022 | $132,350 | Actual |
| 2023 | $157,280 | Actual |
| 2024 | $163,320 | Actual |
| 2025 | $154,690 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $159,269 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $163,983 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the District of Columbia metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 22.5% from $126,320 (2019) to $154,690 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $163,983 by 2027 — a total increase of $37,663 (29.82%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the District of Columbia 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.
Top 1 Highest Paying Cities in District of Columbia
Salary by Experience Level in District of Columbia
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $55,722 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $159,269 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $230,672 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across District of Columbia metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 1 Cities in District of Columbia
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Washington | $159,269 |
More District of Columbia Salary Data
Explore More Optometrist Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make in District of Columbia in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for optometrists in District of Columbia?
How does District of Columbia optometrist pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level optometrist salary in District of Columbia?
How many optometrists are employed in District of Columbia?
Which District of Columbia city offers the best value for optometrists?
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
Statewide 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. A 2.96% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 optometrist compensation across District of Columbia. State averages are employment-weighted across 1 metro areas — larger metro areas with more optometristscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-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