Optometrist Salary in Waynesboro, VA: $137,862 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Waynesboro, VA earns a median $137,862/year (≈ $66.28/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Waynesboro's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $133,587 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.0% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, optometrists in Waynesboro, VA can expect a median annual salary of $137,862, marking a slight decrease of approximately 1.96% compared to the national median of $140,612. The projected salary range for optometrists in this region spans from $79,960 at the 10th percentile to $197,747 at the 90th percentile, offering a broad spectrum of potential earnings depending on experience, practice setting, and additional business models. These figures are derived from state-level BLS data adjusted for regional cost factors and illustrate the diverse compensation landscape for those working in and around Waynesboro. As the market adapts, especially with the growing prevalence of surgical co-management between optometrists and ophthalmologists, salary expectations are likely to evolve favorably for practitioners well-versed in this integrated approach.
About the Waynesboro Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,960 | $38.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $110,786 | $53.26 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $137,862 | $66.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $158,134 | $76.03 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $197,747 | $95.07 |
Median Salary Position
1.96% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Waynesboro
In Waynesboro, VA, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $117,787 (2026 est.). At $137,862, the local median is 1.96% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Waynesboro: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Waynesboro Optometrist Pay Compares
Waynesboro median: $137,862/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Waynesboro Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $145,118 | -5.00% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -1.96% less |
Optometrists in Waynesboro, VA earn a median of $137,862 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.96% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 5.00% below the Virginia state average of $145,118.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Waynesboro has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Waynesboro, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $137,862 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $133,587 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$112,996
2025 BLS Actual
$133,899
2026 Current Est.
$137,862
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Waynesboro (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $112,996 | Actual |
| 2020 | $115,741 | Actual |
| 2021 | $121,869 | Actual |
| 2022 | $123,134 | Actual |
| 2023 | $129,281 | Actual |
| 2024 | $132,359 | Actual |
| 2025 | $133,899 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $137,862 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $141,943 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Waynesboro metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $112,996 (2019) to $133,899 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $141,943 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,947 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Waynesboro 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) | $79,960 – $110,786 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $110,786 – $137,862 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $137,862 – $158,134 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $158,134 – $197,747 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Waynesboro
The job market for optometrists in Waynesboro remains stable, with only four optometrists currently employed in the area. The local cost of living index stands at 103.2, suggesting that while Waynesboro has a slightly higher cost of living than the national average, it may impact take-home purchasing power. Among local employers, private optometry practices and ophthalmology offices tend to offer higher pay, especially for those involved in surgical co-management models, compared to retail chains like LensCrafters and Walmart Vision. The disparity between lower and higher salaries often reflects practice ownership and proven skills, such as expertise in ocular disease or post-acquisition terms from private equity transitions. To optimize earnings in this local market, optometrists should consider enhancing their credentials through residency training and focusing on integrating advanced services, thereby positioning themselves for competitive compensation and growth opportunities in the evolving field.
More salary data for Waynesboro, 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 $133,899 for optometristsin the Waynesboro 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 Waynesboro 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