Optometrist Salary in Hampton, VA: $144,951 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Hampton, VA earns a median $144,951/year (≈ $69.68/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Hampton's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $140,456 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.1% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
According to projections for 2026, optometrists in Hampton, Virginia, can expect a median annual salary of $144,951, which is slightly above the national average of $140,612. The local salary range for this profession is quite broad, extending from $84,072 at the 10th percentile to approximately $219,578 at the 90th percentile. These figures are informed by estimates derived from BLS state-level data, adjusted for regional cost variations. The compensation for optometrists here benefits significantly from the growing trend of collaborative care in the OD/MD model, allowing for additional revenue streams through surgical co-management, which can enhance overall earnings potential and reflects the demand for high-quality eye care services in the Hampton area.
About the Hampton Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $84,072 | $40.42 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $116,699 | $56.10 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $144,951 | $69.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $181,262 | $87.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $219,578 | $105.56 |
Median Salary Position
3.09% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hampton
In Hampton, VA, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $135,506 (2026 est.). At $144,951, the local median is 3.09% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Hampton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Hampton Optometrist Pay Compares
Hampton median: $144,951/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Hampton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $145,096 | -0.10% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | +3.09% more |
Optometrists in Hampton, VA earn a median of $144,951 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.09% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 0.10% below the Virginia state average of $145,096.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Hampton has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Hampton, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $144,951 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $140,456 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$118,806
2025 BLS Actual
$140,784
2026 Current Est.
$144,951
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Hampton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $118,806 | Actual |
| 2020 | $121,693 | Actual |
| 2021 | $128,135 | Actual |
| 2022 | $129,465 | Actual |
| 2023 | $135,929 | Actual |
| 2024 | $139,165 | Actual |
| 2025 | $140,784 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $144,951 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $149,242 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hampton metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $118,806 (2019) to $140,784 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $149,242 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,436 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hampton 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) | $84,072 – $116,699 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $116,699 – $144,951 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $144,951 – $181,262 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $181,262 – $219,578 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Hampton
The job market for optometrists in Hampton shows a promising strength, with 24 professionals currently employed in the field. The cost of living index in the area is 103.2, suggesting a slightly elevated cost environment that can impact take-home pay. Among potential employers, ophthalmology practices often provide higher salaries due to their involvement in collaborative care models, while retail optical chains and private optometry practices might offer varying compensation depending on their business structure and operational models. Differences in pay can arise from factors like ownership stakes in practices, the complexities of working alongside ophthalmologists, and any specialty training in ocular disease or residency programs. Aspiring and current optometrists in Hampton can maximize their pay by considering positions that integrate surgical co-management, expanding their skills through accredited training, and strategically selecting their practice settings, particularly those that align with collaborative care frameworks.
More salary data for Hampton, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can optometrists make $100K in Hampton?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted optometrist salary in Hampton?
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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 $140,784 for optometristsin the Hampton 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 Hampton 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