Optometrist Salary in Norfolk, VA: $151,695 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Norfolk, VA earns a median $151,695/year (≈ $72.93/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Norfolk's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $146,991 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.5% above the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, optometrists in Norfolk, Virginia, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $151,695, reflecting the competitive landscape for optometrists in the state, where the scope of practice includes glaucoma management, oral medications, and select laser procedures. The salary range varies significantly, from $87,983 at the 10th percentile to a robust $234,691 at the 90th percentile, indicating a diversified job market that accommodates various levels of experience and specialization. These figures are estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, adjusted for regional cost differentials in Norfolk, which features an average cost-of-living index of 103.2. With 54 optometrists currently employed in the area, the job market indicates a healthy demand for skilled professionals, making it an attractive location for those entering the field or seeking to expand their practice.
About the Norfolk Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $87,983 | $42.30 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $116,094 | $55.81 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $151,695 | $72.93 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $187,973 | $90.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $234,691 | $112.83 |
Median Salary Position
7.88% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Norfolk
In Norfolk, VA, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $146,708 (2026 est.). At $151,695, the local median is 7.88% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Norfolk: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Norfolk Optometrist Pay Compares
Norfolk median: $151,695/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Norfolk Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $145,163 | +4.50% more |
| National Average | $140,612 | +7.88% more |
Optometrists in Norfolk, VA earn a median of $151,695 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.88% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 4.50% above the Virginia state average of $145,163.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Norfolk has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Norfolk, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $151,695 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $146,991 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$124,334
2025 BLS Actual
$147,334
2026 Current Est.
$151,695
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Norfolk (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $124,334 | Actual |
| 2020 | $127,354 | Actual |
| 2021 | $134,097 | Actual |
| 2022 | $135,489 | Actual |
| 2023 | $142,253 | Actual |
| 2024 | $145,641 | Actual |
| 2025 | $147,334 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $151,695 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $156,185 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Norfolk metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $124,334 (2019) to $147,334 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $156,185 by 2027 — a total increase of $31,851 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Norfolk 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) | $87,983 – $116,094 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $116,094 – $151,695 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $151,695 – $187,973 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $187,973 – $234,691 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Norfolk
An analysis of the optometrist pay in Norfolk, VA, reveals insights into the local job market dynamics that influence compensation. The strength of the employment market, with 54 roles filled, reflects a steady demand, particularly as private equity continues to transform the practice landscape in Virginia. Among employers, private optometry practices often offer varied compensation packages, which can outpace retail optical chains and certain healthcare facilities. The differing pay levels may also stem from distinctions such as practice ownership, collaborations with ophthalmological specialists in OD/MD models, and the potential for additional revenue through surgical referrals. For new graduates and those seeking to maximize their earnings, pursuing residency training in ocular disease or focusing on a practice setting outside of corporate chains can lead to higher salaries. Understanding these local market nuances is vital for anyone considering how much do optometrists make in Norfolk.
More salary data for Norfolk, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make in Norfolk, VA in 2026?
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Can optometrists make $100K in Norfolk?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted optometrist salary in Norfolk?
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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 $147,334 for optometristsin the Norfolk 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 Norfolk 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