Optometrist Salary in Virginia Beach, VA: $155,994 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Virginia Beach, VA earns a median $155,994/year (≈ $75.00/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Virginia Beach's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $151,157 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.5% above the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Virginia Beach, the compensation for optometrists is projected to be quite lucrative, with a median annual salary reaching $155,994 in 2026. This figure places local optometrists above the national median of $140,612, indicating a positive local market for eye care professionals. Salaries in the area range significantly from $90,476 at the 10th percentile to $237,856 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the varying circumstances and roles within the profession. These estimates, based on 2025 BLS OEWS data projected to 2026, highlight the city’s strong demand for optometrists and the revenue potential available, particularly through surgical co-management within the OD/MD model. The competitive pay and robust employment opportunities suggest that Virginia Beach is a favorable location for eye care practitioners looking to grow their careers.
About the Virginia Beach Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $90,476 | $43.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $121,005 | $58.17 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $155,994 | $75.00 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $191,627 | $92.13 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $237,856 | $114.36 |
Median Salary Position
10.94% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Virginia Beach
In Virginia Beach, VA, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $147,380 (2026 est.). At $155,994, the local median is 10.94% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Virginia Beach: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Virginia Beach Optometrist Pay Compares
Virginia Beach median: $155,994/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Virginia Beach Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $145,110 | +7.50% more |
| National Average | $140,612 | +10.94% more |
Optometrists in Virginia Beach, VA earn a median of $155,994 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.94% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 7.50% above the Virginia state average of $145,110.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Virginia Beach has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Virginia Beach, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $155,994 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $151,157 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$119,050
2025 BLS Actual
$151,509
2026 Current Est.
$155,994
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Virginia Beach (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $119,050 | Actual |
| 2020 | $107,530 | Actual |
| 2021 | $106,190 | Actual |
| 2022 | $139,328 | Actual |
| 2023 | $146,284 | Actual |
| 2024 | $149,768 | Actual |
| 2025 | $151,509 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $155,994 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $160,611 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Virginia Beach metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 27.3% from $119,050 (2019) to $151,509 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $160,611 by 2027 — a total increase of $41,561 (34.91%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Virginia Beach 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) | $90,476 – $121,005 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $121,005 – $155,994 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $155,994 – $191,627 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $191,627 – $237,856 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Virginia Beach
The job market for optometrists in Virginia Beach currently employs 97 professionals, showing a consistent demand in this coastal region. With a cost-of-living index of 103.2, the financial dynamics indicate that while salaries are competitive, the expenses are slightly above the national average, affecting overall purchasing power. Those seeking the highest optometrist pay in Virginia Beach, VA, might find opportunities with ophthalmology practices utilizing the OD/MD model, which allows for shared revenue from surgical referrals. Variability in salary often stems from factors like ownership equity, residency training in ocular disease, and practice settings—whether in a solo practice, retail chains, or now-private equity-owned practices. To maximize earnings, it would be wise for practitioners to consider joining surgical co-management partnerships, pursuing enhanced training, or exploring opportunities in higher-paying healthcare systems like the VA medical centers or military health systems.
More salary data for Virginia Beach, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make in Virginia Beach, VA in 2026?
Is Virginia Beach, VA a good place to work as a optometrist?
Can optometrists make $100K in Virginia Beach?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted optometrist salary in Virginia Beach?
How much does a optometrist make per hour in Virginia Beach?
Related Pages
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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 $151,509 for optometristsin the Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach 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