Optometrist Salary in Virginia: $143,616 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Virginia's 42 metropolitan areas, the average median optometrist pay sits at $143,616/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 29-1041. Because Virginia sits at BEA RPP 103.2 (3% above the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $139,163 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Bristol ($153,880), Alexandria ($153,384), Virginia Beach ($151,509).
In Virginia, the projected average median salary for optometrists in 2026 is $143,616, which is 2.1% higher than the national median of $140,612. The cities of Bristol and Alexandria lead the state in pay, with salaries of $158,435 and $157,924, respectively, while Lynchburg offers the lowest at $131,799. This $26,636 gap between the highest and lowest cities can be attributed to factors such as cost of living, demand for eye care services, and the density of healthcare facilities in metropolitan areas. Virginia's licensing requirements and scope of practice laws allow optometrists to provide a wide range of services, which enhances their role in primary eye care. The job market strength is further supported by a projected annual compound growth rate of 2.96%, indicating a healthy demand for optometrists moving forward. Key drivers of this demand include an aging population and increased awareness of eye health, particularly in urban centers like Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and Chesapeake, where salaries range from $150,045 to $155,994. Overall, the outlook for optometrists in Virginia reflects both competitive salaries and steady job growth across the state.
Virginia Optometrist Salary Range
Overall salary range in Virginia: $62,620 (lowest entry-level) to $404,756 (highest top earner)
Virginia vs National Average
Virginia optometrists earn 2.14% more than the national median (+$3,004/year difference).
Virginia Optometrist Salary Distribution (2026)
Optometrist salaries in Virginia range from $79,169 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $222,847 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $143,616. The Virginia median is $3,004 above the US national median of $140,612. The average hourly rate is $69.05/hr. Approximately 854 optometrists are employed across 42 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$114,421
2025 BLS Actual
$139,487
2026 Current Est.
$143,616
2019–2027 Growth
+29.2%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Virginia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $114,421 | Actual |
| 2020 | $110,662 | Actual |
| 2021 | $106,437 | Actual |
| 2022 | $128,272 | Actual |
| 2023 | $124,684 | Actual |
| 2024 | $136,161 | Actual |
| 2025 | $139,487 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $143,616 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $147,867 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Virginia metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 21.9% from $114,421 (2019) to $139,487 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $147,867 by 2027 — a total increase of $33,446 (29.23%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Virginia 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 Virginia
Lowest Paying Cities in Virginia
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Lynchburg | $131,799 |
| Falls Church | $133,803 |
| Richmond | $134,960 |
| Herndon | $135,931 |
| Williamsburg | $137,415 |
Best Value Cities for Optometrists in Virginia
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Virginia cities offer the most purchasing power for optometrists.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roanoke | $149,189 | 93.618 | $159,359 |
| Bristol | $158,435 | 103.2 | $153,522 |
| Alexandria | $157,924 | 103.2 | $153,027 |
| Virginia Beach | $155,994 | 103.2 | $151,157 |
| Lynchburg | $131,799 | 89.363 | $147,487 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Virginia
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $79,169 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $143,616 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $222,847 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Virginia metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 42 Cities in Virginia
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bristol | $158,435 |
| 2 | Alexandria | $157,924 |
| 3 | Virginia Beach | $155,994 |
| 4 | Norfolk | $151,695 |
| 5 | Chesapeake | $150,045 |
| 6 | Roanoke | $149,189 |
| 7 | Newport News | $146,240 |
| 8 | Hampton | $144,951 |
| 9 | Centreville | $144,276 |
| 10 | Blacksburg | $143,917 |
| 11 | Burke | $143,298 |
| 12 | Harrisonburg | $143,000 |
| 13 | Suffolk | $142,678 |
| 14 | Tuckahoe | $142,273 |
| 15 | Ashburn | $142,069 |
| 16 | McLean | $142,059 |
| 17 | Reston | $141,908 |
| 18 | Danville | $141,879 |
| 19 | Fredericksburg | $141,270 |
| 20 | Dale City | $141,242 |
| 21 | Manassas | $141,090 |
| 22 | Salem | $140,697 |
| 23 | Leesburg | $140,494 |
| 24 | Portsmouth | $140,414 |
| 25 | Mechanicsville | $140,189 |
| 26 | Springfield | $139,694 |
| 27 | Woodbridge | $139,503 |
| 28 | Sterling | $139,233 |
| 29 | Staunton | $139,131 |
| 30 | Charlottesville | $139,087 |
| 31 | Lake Ridge | $139,053 |
| 32 | Linton Hall | $138,895 |
| 33 | Radford | $138,789 |
| 34 | Fairfax | $138,539 |
| 35 | Waynesboro | $137,862 |
| 36 | Annandale | $137,679 |
| 37 | Winchester | $137,476 |
| 38 | Williamsburg | $137,415 |
| 39 | Herndon | $135,931 |
| 40 | Richmond | $134,960 |
| 41 | Falls Church | $133,803 |
| 42 | Lynchburg | $131,799 |
More Virginia Salary Data
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced optometrists.
Explore More Optometrist Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make in Virginia in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for optometrists in Virginia?
How does Virginia optometrist pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level optometrist salary in Virginia?
How many optometrists are employed in Virginia?
Which Virginia 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 Virginia. State averages are employment-weighted across 42 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, 6-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