Optometrist Salary in Chambersburg, PA: $132,150 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Chambersburg, PA earns a median $132,150/year (≈ $63.54/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Chambersburg's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.4), that paycheck buys what $135,678 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.4% below the Pennsylvania state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Optometrists in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $132,150 in 2026, reflecting a competitive market that is shaped by the state's expanding optometric scope of practice which includes glaucoma management, oral medications, and select surgical procedures. The salary range for this profession varies significantly from $76,648 at the 10th percentile to $183,611 at the 90th percentile, demonstrating the potential for high earnings based on experience and qualifications. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026 with adjustments for regional cost considerations, and they position Chambersburg below the national median of $140,612 for optometrists. Given the local job market, there are currently six optometrists employed in the Chambersburg area, indicating a small but stable professional community.
About the Chambersburg Market
Salary estimated from Pennsylvania average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,648 | $36.85 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $107,269 | $51.57 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $132,150 | $63.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $155,297 | $74.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $183,611 | $88.28 |
Median Salary Position
6.02% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chambersburg
In Chambersburg, PA, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $106,963 (2026 est.). At $132,150, the local median is 6.02% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Chambersburg: You'd be above the median
How Chambersburg Optometrist Pay Compares
Chambersburg median: $132,150/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chambersburg Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania Average | $138,232 | -4.40% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -6.02% less |
Optometrists in Chambersburg, PA earn a median of $132,150 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.02% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 4.40% below the Pennsylvania state average of $138,232.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chambersburg has a cost of living 2.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Chambersburg, PA has a cost-of-living index of 97.4 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $132,150 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $135,678 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.67% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$136,910
2025 BLS Actual
$128,351
2026 Current Est.
$132,150
2019–2027 Growth
+-0.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Chambersburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $136,910 | Actual |
| 2020 | $110,946 | Actual |
| 2021 | $116,819 | Actual |
| 2022 | $118,032 | Actual |
| 2023 | $123,924 | Actual |
| 2024 | $125,731 | Actual |
| 2025 | $128,351 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $132,150 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $136,062 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chambersburg metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew -6.3% from $136,910 (2019) to $128,351 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $136,062 by 2027 — a total increase of $-848 (-0.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chambersburg 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $76,648 – $107,269 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $107,269 – $132,150 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $132,150 – $155,297 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $155,297 – $183,611 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Chambersburg
Understanding the local job market is crucial for those considering a career in optometry or evaluating their current position. With a cost of living index of 97.4, Chambersburg offers a more affordable environment compared to national averages, which can positively impact take-home pay for optometrists. The highest-paying opportunities are typically found in private optometry practices, particularly those with ownership equity or an OD/MD model which allows for revenue sharing from surgical referrals. Retail chains and larger vision insurance providers like VSP also provide competitive pay, but the compensation can vary significantly based on the nature of practice and additional training such as residencies in ocular disease. For those aiming to maximize their earnings, strategies such as seeking positions in private practice settings, pursuing advanced training, and understanding the dynamics of practice ownership could prove beneficial in leveraging the salary potential in Chambersburg.
More salary data for Chambersburg, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can optometrists make $100K in Chambersburg?
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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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $128,351 for optometristsin the Chambersburg metropolitan area. A 2.96% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Chambersburg 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