Optometrist Salary in Alexandria, VA: $157,924 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Alexandria, VA earns a median $157,924/year (≈ $75.92/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Alexandria's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $153,027 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 8.8% above the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Alexandria, Virginia, optometrists can expect a competitive 2026 median annual salary of $157,924, which is notably higher than the national median of $140,612. The salary spectrum for optometrists in this area ranges from $91,596 at the lower end (10th percentile) to $239,641 at the upper echelon (90th percentile), providing ample opportunities for skilled practitioners. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost factors, reflect the local job market's dynamics influenced by practice ownership decisions, including independent practices versus retail chains or multi-provider setups. The market in Alexandria indicates a bright future for those considering establishing their practice, aligning their services with the growing demand for expanded optometric care, including glaucoma management and other advanced treatments.
About the Alexandria Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $91,596 | $44.04 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $127,624 | $61.35 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $157,924 | $75.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $194,607 | $93.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $239,641 | $115.21 |
Median Salary Position
12.31% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Alexandria
In Alexandria, VA, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $148,045 (2026 est.). At $157,924, the local median is 12.31% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Alexandria: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Alexandria Optometrist Pay Compares
Alexandria median: $157,924/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Alexandria Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $145,151 | +8.80% more |
| National Average | $140,612 | +12.31% more |
Optometrists in Alexandria, VA earn a median of $157,924 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.31% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 8.80% above the Virginia state average of $145,151.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Alexandria has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Alexandria, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $157,924 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $153,027 — a 3.1% reduction.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$129,439
2025 BLS Actual
$153,384
2026 Current Est.
$157,924
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Alexandria (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $129,439 | Actual |
| 2020 | $132,584 | Actual |
| 2021 | $139,603 | Actual |
| 2022 | $141,052 | Actual |
| 2023 | $148,094 | Actual |
| 2024 | $139,526 | Actual |
| 2025 | $153,384 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $157,924 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $162,599 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Alexandria metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $129,439 (2019) to $153,384 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $162,599 by 2027 — a total increase of $33,160 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Alexandria 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) | $91,596 – $127,624 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $127,624 – $157,924 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $157,924 – $194,607 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $194,607 – $239,641 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Alexandria
While Alexandria employs 26 optometrists, the cost of living index stands at 103.2, slightly above the national average, which can impact take-home earnings and purchasing power. Practices that provide higher compensation typically include private optometry setups and ophthalmology practices that leverage the OD/MD model, which can offer revenue-sharing possibilities through surgical referrals. On the other hand, retail optical chains such as LensCrafters and Walmart Vision generally provide lower salaries compared to private practices. Variability in pay is chiefly driven by ownership stakes, the level of residency training—especially in ocular disease—and the post-acquisition employment structures of practices transitioning to private equity ownership. Aspiring optometrists in Alexandria should focus on obtaining residency training and explore ownership opportunities as effective means to maximize their earning potential while navigating this evolving job market.
More salary data for Alexandria, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make in Alexandria, VA in 2026?
Is Alexandria, VA a good place to work as a optometrist?
Can optometrists make $100K in Alexandria?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted optometrist salary in Alexandria?
How much does a optometrist make per hour in Alexandria?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Virginia
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 $153,384 for optometristsin the Alexandria 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 Alexandria 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