Optometrist Salary in Fairfax, VA: $138,539 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Fairfax, VA earns a median $138,539/year (≈ $66.60/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Fairfax's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $134,243 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.5% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the optometrist salary in Fairfax, Virginia is projected to reach a median of $138,539, placing it slightly below the national figure of $140,612. The local compensation range indicates significant variability, with salaries spanning from $80,352 at the 10th percentile to as much as $192,070 at the 90th percentile. Factors such as the OD/MD model of surgical co-management contribute to this wide range, as optometrists may participate in revenue-sharing from surgical referrals, particularly in areas with strong collaborative practices. These estimates, based on 2025 BLS OEWS data projected to 2026, reflect the local economic landscape and the demand for eye care services, especially as the scope of optometry expands to include advanced treatments such as glaucoma management and minor surgical procedures.
About the Fairfax Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,352 | $38.63 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $112,180 | $53.93 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $138,539 | $66.60 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $162,546 | $78.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $192,070 | $92.34 |
Median Salary Position
1.47% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fairfax
In Fairfax, VA, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $111,718 (2026 est.). At $138,539, the local median is 1.47% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Fairfax: You'd be above the median
How Fairfax Optometrist Pay Compares
Fairfax median: $138,539/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fairfax Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $145,067 | -4.50% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -1.47% less |
Optometrists in Fairfax, VA earn a median of $138,539 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.47% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 4.50% below the Virginia state average of $145,067.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fairfax has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Fairfax, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $138,539 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $134,243 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$113,550
2025 BLS Actual
$134,556
2026 Current Est.
$138,539
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Fairfax (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $113,550 | Actual |
| 2020 | $116,309 | Actual |
| 2021 | $122,467 | Actual |
| 2022 | $123,738 | Actual |
| 2023 | $129,915 | Actual |
| 2024 | $133,009 | Actual |
| 2025 | $134,556 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $138,539 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $142,640 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fairfax metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $113,550 (2019) to $134,556 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $142,640 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,090 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fairfax 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) | $80,352 – $112,180 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $112,180 – $138,539 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $138,539 – $162,546 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $162,546 – $192,070 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Fairfax
Focusing on the local job market, only four optometrists are currently employed in Fairfax, indicating a specialized niche likely driven by the presence of higher-paying avenues within the industry. The cost of living index rests at 103.2, suggesting that while optometrist pay in Fairfax VA is competitive, it is essential to consider the purchasing power relative to housing and other living expenses. Practices that tend to offer higher compensation include ophthalmology settings utilizing the OD/MD collaborative approach, as there is considerable potential for additional income through surgical co-management. Additionally, maximizing pay in Fairfax often requires strategic maneuvering—consider focusing on building connections with local medical systems, pursuing residency training in ocular disease, or enhancing skills in areas like laser treatments to increase both marketability and salary potential in this vibrant community.
More salary data for Fairfax, VA:
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 $134,556 for optometristsin the Fairfax 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 Fairfax 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