Optometrist Salary in Radford, VA: $138,789 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Radford, VA earns a median $138,789/year (≈ $66.73/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Radford's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $134,485 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.4% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Radford, Virginia, the projected salary for optometrists in 2026 arrives at a median of $138,789, revealing a competitive edge as compared to the national median of $140,612. The full salary spectrum in this city spans from $80,497 at the 10th percentile to $188,138 at the 90th percentile, underscoring significant earning potential for those in the profession. These figures reflect local estimates derived from state-level data and regional cost adjustments, illustrating how factors like the OD/MD surgical co-management model can enhance compensation, particularly in practices that leverage surgical referral revenues. Given Radford's unique job market, the potential for a stable and lucrative optometry career is evident for both established practitioners and new graduates.
About the Radford Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,497 | $38.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $118,155 | $56.80 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $138,789 | $66.73 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $160,191 | $77.01 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $188,138 | $90.45 |
Median Salary Position
1.3% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Radford
In Radford, VA, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $107,641 (2026 est.). At $138,789, the local median is 1.3% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Radford: You'd be above the median
How Radford Optometrist Pay Compares
Radford median: $138,789/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Radford Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $145,177 | -4.40% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -1.30% less |
Optometrists in Radford, VA earn a median of $138,789 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.30% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 4.40% below the Virginia state average of $145,177.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Radford has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Radford, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $138,789 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $134,485 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$113,755
2025 BLS Actual
$134,799
2026 Current Est.
$138,789
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Radford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $113,755 | Actual |
| 2020 | $116,519 | Actual |
| 2021 | $122,688 | Actual |
| 2022 | $123,961 | Actual |
| 2023 | $130,150 | Actual |
| 2024 | $133,250 | Actual |
| 2025 | $134,799 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $138,789 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $142,897 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Radford metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $113,755 (2019) to $134,799 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $142,897 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,142 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Radford 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) | $80,497 – $118,155 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $118,155 – $138,789 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $138,789 – $160,191 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $160,191 – $188,138 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Radford
Employment opportunities for optometrists in Radford are currently modest, with only six practitioners in the area. However, these professionals face a cost of living index of 103.2, which slightly surpasses the national average. This reality emphasizes the importance of understanding how much do optometrists make in Radford relative to their purchasing power. Compensation tends to skew higher in private optometry practices that utilize the OD/MD model, as these setups can participate in surgeons' referral revenue streams. The variation in pay is driven by factors such as ownership equity, the nature of the practice, and additional training, such as residency programs that offer expertise in ocular disease. To maximize pay in Radford, ODs should consider aligning with practices that are well-connected to surgical co-management opportunities and seek continuing education that expands their scope of practice, especially given the evolving landscape of optometry in Virginia.
More salary data for Radford, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make in Radford, VA in 2026?
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Can optometrists make $100K in Radford?
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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 $134,799 for optometristsin the Radford 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 Radford 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