Optometrist Salary in West Virginia: $112,829 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across West Virginia's 11 metropolitan areas, the average median optometrist pay sits at $112,829/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 29-1041. Because West Virginia sits at BEA RPP 86.5 (13% below the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $130,438 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Charleston ($116,317), Parkersburg ($114,529), South Charleston ($113,164).
In 2026, the average median salary for optometrists in West Virginia is projected at $112,829, which is significantly lower than the national median of $140,612, revealing a difference of 19.8%. Charleston offers the highest salary in the state at $119,760, while Huntington reports the lowest at $106,739, demonstrating a salary gap of $12,021. This variance can be attributed to factors such as the cost of living, demand for services, and the presence of healthcare facilities in urban versus rural areas. West Virginia has specific licensing requirements and a defined scope of practice for optometrists, which may influence both salary levels and job opportunities. Demand drivers in the state include an aging population requiring vision care and an increasing awareness of eye health, underpinning the projected annual growth rate of 2.96% for optometrist positions. With a total of 85 optometrists employed across the state, cities like Parkersburg ($117,919), South Charleston ($116,514), Morgantown ($116,447), and Wheeling ($115,862) present competitive salaries, aligning with regional healthcare demands. The job market remains stable, with a positive outlook for future growth in the profession as more residents seek comprehensive eye care services.
West Virginia Optometrist Salary Range
Overall salary range in West Virginia: $45,786 (lowest entry-level) to $228,705 (highest top earner)
West Virginia vs National Average
West Virginia optometrists earn 19.76% less than the national median ($-27,783/year difference).
West Virginia Optometrist Salary Distribution (2026)
Optometrist salaries in West Virginia range from $60,520 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $187,411 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $112,829. The West Virginia median is $27,783 below the US national median of $140,612. The average hourly rate is $54.24/hr. Approximately 85 optometrists are employed across 11 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$119,174
2025 BLS Actual
$109,585
2026 Current Est.
$112,829
2019–2027 Growth
+-2.5%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in West Virginia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $119,174 | Actual |
| 2020 | $107,960 | Actual |
| 2021 | $99,739 | Actual |
| 2022 | $102,050 | Actual |
| 2023 | $107,640 | Actual |
| 2024 | $105,362 | Actual |
| 2025 | $109,585 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $112,829 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $116,168 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the West Virginia metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew -8.0% from $119,174 (2019) to $109,585 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $116,168 by 2027 — a total increase of $-3,006 (-2.52%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the West Virginia 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.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in West Virginia
Lowest Paying Cities in West Virginia
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Huntington | $106,739 |
| Clarksburg | $112,809 |
| Fairmont | $113,184 |
| Beckley | $113,312 |
| Martinsburg | $114,894 |
Best Value Cities for Optometrists in West Virginia
When adjusted for local cost of living, these West Virginia cities offer the most purchasing power for optometrists.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charleston | $119,760 | 86.5 | $138,451 |
| Parkersburg | $117,919 | 86.5 | $136,323 |
| South Charleston | $116,514 | 86.5 | $134,698 |
| Morgantown | $116,447 | 86.5 | $134,621 |
| Wheeling | $115,862 | 86.5 | $133,945 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in West Virginia
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $60,520 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $112,829 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $187,411 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across West Virginia metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 11 Cities in West Virginia
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Charleston | $119,760 |
| 2 | Parkersburg | $117,919 |
| 3 | South Charleston | $116,514 |
| 4 | Morgantown | $116,447 |
| 5 | Wheeling | $115,862 |
| 6 | Weirton | $115,261 |
| 7 | Martinsburg | $114,894 |
| 8 | Beckley | $113,312 |
| 9 | Fairmont | $113,184 |
| 10 | Clarksburg | $112,809 |
| 11 | Huntington | $106,739 |
More West Virginia Salary Data
Hourly Rates
Explore optometrist hourly pay in West Virginia cities.
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced optometrists.
Explore More Optometrist Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make in West Virginia in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for optometrists in West Virginia?
How does West Virginia optometrist pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level optometrist salary in West Virginia?
How many optometrists are employed in West Virginia?
Which West Virginia city offers the best value for optometrists?
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
Statewide 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. A 2.96% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 optometrist compensation across West Virginia. State averages are employment-weighted across 11 metro areas — larger metro areas with more optometristscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 6-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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