Optometrist Salary in Colchester, VT: $134,717 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Colchester, VT earns a median $134,717/year (≈ $64.77/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Colchester's price level (4% above national, BEA RPP 103.5), that paycheck buys what $130,161 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.4% below the Vermont state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, Colchester, Vermont, offers a median annual salary of $134,717 for optometrists, showcasing the region's capacity to generate competitive pay despite being slightly below the national median of $140,612. The salary range for optometrists in Colchester underscores the potential for substantial earnings, spanning from $80,742 at the 10th percentile to $191,614 at the 90th percentile. These seamless earnings reflect local estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional price variations. Factors contributing to this salary structure include the rising trend of optometrists engaging in OD/MD model surgical co-management, which often leads to additional revenue streams through surgical referrals and co-management fees. As such, those entering or currently practicing in the Colchester area may find ample opportunities to enhance their income.
About the Colchester Market
Salary estimated from Vermont average ($130,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,742 | $38.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $112,274 | $53.98 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $134,717 | $64.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $161,058 | $77.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $191,614 | $92.12 |
Median Salary Position
4.19% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Colchester
In Colchester, VT, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $110,872 (2026 est.). At $134,717, the local median is 4.19% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Colchester: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Colchester Optometrist Pay Compares
Colchester median: $134,717/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Colchester Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Vermont Average | $145,483 | -7.40% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -4.19% less |
Optometrists in Colchester, VT earn a median of $134,717 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.19% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 7.40% below the Vermont state average of $145,483.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Colchester has a cost of living 3.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Colchester, VT has a cost-of-living index of 103.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $134,717 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $130,161 — a 3.38% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$110,418
2025 BLS Actual
$130,844
2026 Current Est.
$134,717
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Colchester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $110,418 | Actual |
| 2020 | $113,100 | Actual |
| 2021 | $119,088 | Actual |
| 2022 | $120,324 | Actual |
| 2023 | $126,331 | Actual |
| 2024 | $124,549 | Actual |
| 2025 | $130,844 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $134,717 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $138,705 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Colchester metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $110,418 (2019) to $130,844 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $138,705 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,287 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Colchester 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) | $80,742 – $112,274 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $112,274 – $134,717 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $134,717 – $161,058 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $161,058 – $191,614 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Colchester
Currently, only four optometrists serve the Colchester community, creating a tight-knit job market that can influence wages. The cost-of-living index stands at 103.5, indicating that while expenses are slightly higher than the national average, the purchasing power of an optometrist's salary is essential in assessing overall economic satisfaction. Among local employers, private optometry practices, particularly those embracing OD/MD models, may offer the most lucrative positions, driven by potential ownership equity and partnerships with ophthalmologists. Conversely, retail chains like LensCrafters and Visionworks typically offer more stable but potentially lower pay structures. For optometrists seeking to optimize their earnings, pursuing additional training in ocular disease or aligning with practices that incorporate surgical management can make a considerable difference in salary, especially in a market like Colchester, where professional adaptability could enhance future prospects.
More salary data for Colchester, VT:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can optometrists make $100K in Colchester?
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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 $130,844 for optometristsin the Colchester 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 Colchester 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