Optometrist Salary in Winchester, VA: $137,476 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Winchester, VA earns a median $137,476/year (≈ $66.09/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Winchester's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $133,213 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.3% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, optometrists in Winchester, Virginia, can expect a median annual salary of $137,476, slightly below the national median of $140,612. The salary range for this profession in the area stretches from $79,736 for the lowest ten percent to $194,333 for the highest earners. These figures reflect local estimates based on 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional cost factors. The expanded scope of practice in Virginia, which includes glaucoma management and the prescription of oral medications, contributes to competitive compensation for optometrists. With only four optometrists currently employed in Winchester, the local job market is relatively small, but demand may grow as practice capabilities expand and the population increases.
About the Winchester Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,736 | $38.33 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $111,434 | $53.57 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $137,476 | $66.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $162,735 | $78.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $194,333 | $93.43 |
Median Salary Position
2.23% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Winchester
In Winchester, VA, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $114,597 (2026 est.). At $137,476, the local median is 2.23% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Winchester: You'd be above the median
How Winchester Optometrist Pay Compares
Winchester median: $137,476/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Winchester Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $145,170 | -5.30% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -2.23% less |
Optometrists in Winchester, VA earn a median of $137,476 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.23% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 5.30% below the Virginia state average of $145,170.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Winchester has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Winchester, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $137,476 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $133,213 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$112,680
2025 BLS Actual
$133,524
2026 Current Est.
$137,476
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Winchester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $112,680 | Actual |
| 2020 | $115,417 | Actual |
| 2021 | $121,528 | Actual |
| 2022 | $122,789 | Actual |
| 2023 | $128,919 | Actual |
| 2024 | $131,989 | Actual |
| 2025 | $133,524 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $137,476 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $141,546 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Winchester metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $112,680 (2019) to $133,524 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $141,546 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,866 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Winchester 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) | $79,736 – $111,434 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $111,434 – $137,476 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $137,476 – $162,735 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $162,735 – $194,333 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Winchester
Considering the cost of living index in Winchester, which stands at 103.2, professionals will find their purchasing power is slightly above the national average. While employment options exist in private practices, retail chains, and even military health systems, optometrists seeking higher compensation may benefit from working in ophthalmology practices that operate under an OD/MD model. This structure allows for revenue sharing from surgical referrals, potentially enhancing earnings. The variance in pay scales can often be attributed to factors such as whether practitioners own their practice, their level of training, and the specifics of their employment situation post-acquisition by larger firms. To maximize earnings in this market, optometrists should consider pursuing residency training in ocular disease or engaging actively in networks with local practice owners.
More salary data for Winchester, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make in Winchester, VA in 2026?
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Can optometrists make $100K in Winchester?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted optometrist salary in Winchester?
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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 $133,524 for optometristsin the Winchester 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 Winchester 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