Optometrist Salary in Brattleboro, VT: $137,880 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Brattleboro, VT earns a median $137,880/year (≈ $66.29/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Brattleboro's price level (4% above national, BEA RPP 103.5), that paycheck buys what $133,217 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.3% below the Vermont state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Brattleboro, Vermont, an optometrist can expect a 2026 median annual salary of $137,880, which is slightly below the national median of $140,612. Local optometrist pay in Brattleboro ranges from $79,970 at the 10th percentile to $188,813 at the 90th percentile, reflecting variations in practice settings and local demand. These estimates, derived from state-level data and regional price adjustments, capture the unique economic conditions of the area. As the job market evolves, optometrists collaborating under the OD/MD model may also benefit from additional surgical co-management revenue, contributing to potential salary boosts for those in such practices.
About the Brattleboro Market
Salary estimated from Vermont average ($130,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,970 | $38.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $110,323 | $53.03 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $137,880 | $66.29 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $160,733 | $77.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $188,813 | $90.78 |
Median Salary Position
1.94% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Brattleboro
In Brattleboro, VT, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $108,843 (2026 est.). At $137,880, the local median is 1.94% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Brattleboro: You'd be above the median
How Brattleboro Optometrist Pay Compares
Brattleboro median: $137,880/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Brattleboro Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Vermont Average | $145,597 | -5.30% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -1.94% less |
Optometrists in Brattleboro, VT earn a median of $137,880 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.94% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 5.30% below the Vermont state average of $145,597.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Brattleboro has a cost of living 3.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Brattleboro, VT has a cost-of-living index of 103.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $137,880 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $133,217 — a 3.38% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$113,010
2025 BLS Actual
$133,916
2026 Current Est.
$137,880
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Brattleboro (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $113,010 | Actual |
| 2020 | $115,756 | Actual |
| 2021 | $121,884 | Actual |
| 2022 | $123,149 | Actual |
| 2023 | $129,298 | Actual |
| 2024 | $127,474 | Actual |
| 2025 | $133,916 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $137,880 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $141,961 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Brattleboro metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $113,010 (2019) to $133,916 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $141,961 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,951 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brattleboro 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) | $79,970 – $110,323 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $110,323 – $137,880 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $137,880 – $160,733 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $160,733 – $188,813 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Brattleboro
The local job market in Brattleboro employs six optometrists, indicating a rarefied yet supportive environment for the profession. With a cost-of-living index of 103.5, the take-home purchasing power could be marginally strained compared to larger urban centers. Among the region's employers, private optometry practices, especially those that integrate ocular disease or have established cooperative agreements with ophthalmologists, tend to offer more lucrative compensation options. Meanwhile, the disparity in compensation arises from factors like ownership stakes, experience, and additional training. Optometrists interested in maximizing their pay should consider pursuing residency training, especially in ocular disease, to enhance their market value. Engaging with local networks and refining negotiation skills can also lead to improved salary outcomes in this unique Brattleboro market.
More salary data for Brattleboro, 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 $133,916 for optometristsin the Brattleboro 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 Brattleboro 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