Optometrist Salary in Barre, VT: $137,398 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Barre, VT earns a median $137,398/year (≈ $66.06/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Barre's price level (4% above national, BEA RPP 103.5), that paycheck buys what $132,752 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.6% below the Vermont state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Barre, VT, the expanding scope of practice for optometrists, including the management of glaucoma and the ability to prescribe oral medications, not only enriches the profession but also reflects in the compensation packages available. Projections for 2026 suggest an impressive median annual pay of $137,398, with salaries ranging from $79,691 at the lower end to as high as $187,244 for top earners. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional economic conditions, indicating a local market that values skilled optometrists. Given Barre's distinctive healthcare landscape, job seekers may find opportunities particularly rewarding in light of the diversified roles now available within the field.
About the Barre Market
Salary estimated from Vermont average ($130,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,691 | $38.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $109,338 | $52.57 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $137,398 | $66.06 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $159,609 | $76.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $187,244 | $90.02 |
Median Salary Position
2.29% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Barre
In Barre, VT, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $107,553 (2026 est.). At $137,398, the local median is 2.29% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Barre: You'd be above the median
How Barre Optometrist Pay Compares
Barre median: $137,398/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Barre Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Vermont Average | $145,549 | -5.60% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -2.29% less |
Optometrists in Barre, VT earn a median of $137,398 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.29% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 5.60% below the Vermont state average of $145,549.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Barre has a cost of living 3.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Barre, VT has a cost-of-living index of 103.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $137,398 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $132,752 — a 3.38% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$112,615
2025 BLS Actual
$133,448
2026 Current Est.
$137,398
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Barre (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $112,615 | Actual |
| 2020 | $115,351 | Actual |
| 2021 | $121,458 | Actual |
| 2022 | $122,719 | Actual |
| 2023 | $128,846 | Actual |
| 2024 | $127,028 | Actual |
| 2025 | $133,448 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $137,398 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $141,465 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Barre metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $112,615 (2019) to $133,448 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $141,465 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,850 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Barre 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) | $79,691 – $109,338 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $109,338 – $137,398 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $137,398 – $159,609 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $159,609 – $187,244 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Barre
With only six optometrists currently employed in the Barre area, the job market appears competitive but specialized. The cost of living index at 103.5 suggests that while expenses are slightly above the national average, optometrists may still find their take-home pay offers a comfortable lifestyle. Especially in settings like private optometry practices or ophthalmology clinics, there are opportunities for higher compensation, driven by factors such as ownership equity, experience with ocular disease, or participation in a surgical referral framework. To maximize their earnings, aspiring optometrists in Barre should consider residency training, particularly in ocular disease or working within affluent practices, as these experiences can elevate their marketability and financial prospects in this evolving field.
More salary data for Barre, VT:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $133,448 for optometristsin the Barre 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 Barre 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