Optometrist Salary in Vermont: $142,312 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Vermont's 9 metropolitan areas, the average median optometrist pay sits at $142,312/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 29-1041. Because Vermont sits at BEA RPP 103.5 (4% above the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $137,500 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: South Burlington ($144,430), Burlington ($143,700), Bennington ($135,447).
In 2026, the average median salary for optometrists in Vermont is projected at $142,312, which is slightly above the national median of $140,612, representing a 1.2% increase. South Burlington ranks as the highest-paying city at $148,705, while Montpelier offers the lowest salary at $134,038. This salary gap of $14,667 between these cities can often be attributed to local demand for optometric services, cost of living variations, and the density of healthcare facilities in urban versus rural areas. Vermont has specific state licensing requirements that align closely with national standards, but its scope of practice laws can vary, affecting how optometrists operate within the healthcare system. The job market for optometrists in the state shows a solid outlook, with a projected growth rate of 2.96% annually, indicating steady demand for eye care services. Major cities like Burlington and Bennington offer competitive salaries of $147,954 and $139,456, respectively, further highlighting the importance of geography in salary differences. Overall, optometrists in Vermont can expect a stable career with earnings that reflect both local market conditions and professional regulations.
Vermont Optometrist Salary Range
Overall salary range in Vermont: $79,691 (lowest entry-level) to $257,421 (highest top earner)
Vermont vs National Average
Vermont optometrists earn 1.21% more than the national median (+$1,700/year difference).
Vermont Optometrist Salary Distribution (2026)
Optometrist salaries in Vermont range from $91,063 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $220,390 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $142,312. The Vermont median is $1,700 above the US national median of $140,612. The average hourly rate is $68.42/hr. Approximately 70 optometrists are employed across 9 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$116,643
2025 BLS Actual
$138,221
2026 Current Est.
$142,312
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Vermont (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $116,643 | Actual |
| 2020 | $119,477 | Actual |
| 2021 | $100,840 | Actual |
| 2022 | $127,108 | Actual |
| 2023 | $133,454 | Actual |
| 2024 | $142,944 | Actual |
| 2025 | $138,221 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $142,312 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $146,524 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Vermont metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $116,643 (2019) to $138,221 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $146,524 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,881 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Vermont 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 5 Highest Paying Cities in Vermont
Lowest Paying Cities in Vermont
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Montpelier | $134,038 |
| Colchester | $134,717 |
| Rutland | $134,870 |
| Barre | $137,398 |
| Essex Junction | $137,584 |
Best Value Cities for Optometrists in Vermont
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Vermont cities offer the most purchasing power for optometrists.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burlington | $147,954 | 100.949 | $146,563 |
| South Burlington | $148,705 | 103.5 | $143,676 |
| Bennington | $139,456 | 103.5 | $134,740 |
| Brattleboro | $137,880 | 103.5 | $133,217 |
| Essex Junction | $137,584 | 103.5 | $132,931 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Vermont
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $91,063 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $142,312 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $220,390 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Vermont metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 9 Cities in Vermont
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Burlington | $148,705 |
| 2 | Burlington | $147,954 |
| 3 | Bennington | $139,456 |
| 4 | Brattleboro | $137,880 |
| 5 | Essex Junction | $137,584 |
| 6 | Barre | $137,398 |
| 7 | Rutland | $134,870 |
| 8 | Colchester | $134,717 |
| 9 | Montpelier | $134,038 |
More Vermont Salary Data
Hourly Rates
Explore optometrist hourly pay in Vermont cities.
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced optometrists.
Explore More Optometrist Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make in Vermont in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for optometrists in Vermont?
How does Vermont optometrist pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level optometrist salary in Vermont?
How many optometrists are employed in Vermont?
Which Vermont 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 Vermont. State averages are employment-weighted across 9 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, 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