Optometrist Salary in Reston, VA: $141,908 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Reston, VA earns a median $141,908/year (≈ $68.22/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Reston's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $137,508 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.2% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the optometrist salary in Reston, Virginia, is anticipated to reach a median annual salary of $141,908, closely aligning with the national figure of $140,612. Notably, the salary range reflects significant variability, with the lower 10% earning about $82,306 while the top 90% can command as much as $210,048. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data, account for local economic conditions and cost-of-living adjustments. A strategic consideration for optometrists in this region involves choosing between practice ownership, employed associate positions, and roles within retail optical chains. Understanding these structural choices can directly affect earning potential, as practice ownership often leads to greater financial rewards and personal fulfillment through autonomy and patient care focus.
About the Reston Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $82,306 | $39.57 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $115,181 | $55.37 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $141,908 | $68.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $172,616 | $82.99 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $210,048 | $100.98 |
Median Salary Position
0.92% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Reston
In Reston, VA, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $127,742 (2026 est.). At $141,908, the local median is 0.92% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Reston: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Reston Optometrist Pay Compares
Reston median: $141,908/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Reston Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $145,100 | -2.20% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | +0.92% more |
Optometrists in Reston, VA earn a median of $141,908 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.92% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 2.20% below the Virginia state average of $145,100.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Reston has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Reston, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $141,908 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $137,508 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$116,312
2025 BLS Actual
$137,828
2026 Current Est.
$141,908
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Reston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $116,312 | Actual |
| 2020 | $119,137 | Actual |
| 2021 | $125,445 | Actual |
| 2022 | $126,747 | Actual |
| 2023 | $133,075 | Actual |
| 2024 | $136,244 | Actual |
| 2025 | $137,828 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $141,908 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $146,108 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Reston metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $116,312 (2019) to $137,828 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $146,108 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,796 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Reston 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) | $82,306 – $115,181 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $115,181 – $141,908 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $141,908 – $172,616 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $172,616 – $210,048 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Reston
The job market for optometrists in Reston consists of 16 professionals, which indicates a healthy local demand for eye care services. The cost-of-living index in Reston stands at 103.2, highlighting that while salaries are competitive, the elevated living expenses may impact overall purchasing power. Among local employers, private practices, particularly those not tied to large retail chains, often provide more competitive pay due to lower overhead and the ability to offer tailored services. Factors contributing to the variation in salaries include whether practitioners have residency training, the operational model they choose, as well as compensation agreements in private equity acquisitions. For those looking to maximize their pay in Reston, pursuing a path that includes a strong clinical presence and specialties in emerging areas of optometry may provide advantageous leverage in negotiations.
More salary data for Reston, 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 $137,828 for optometristsin the Reston 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 Reston 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