Senior Optometrist Salary in Burlington, VT: $257,421 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of optometrists working in Burlington, VT — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $257,421/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1041. Strip back Burlington's price premium (BEA RPP 100.9, 1% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $255,001 in average-cost America. The 74% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
A top-tier optometrist in Burlington, Vermont, can expect to earn an impressive salary, with 2026 estimates highlighting a potential pay range that soars to $257,421 at the 90th percentile. This stands in stark contrast to the median annual salary for experienced optometrists, which is projected at $147,954, showcasing the substantial income disparities that exist between those at the peak of their profession and those in the average bracket. Attaining such high levels of compensation typically requires years of dedicated practice, specialization in high-demand areas, and a proactive approach toward advancing one’s skill set and credentials in an evolving field. Understanding the nuances of the Burlington optometry market can hence empower seasoned practitioners to maximize their earning potential effectively.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Burlington
Experienced optometrists at the top of the pay scale in Burlington earn between $196,468 and $257,421 per year (2026 est.). This $152,803 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Burlington median of $147,954 sits 5.22% above the US median.
Top OD Salary Comparison
| Level | Burlington | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $147,954 | $140,612 |
| 75th Percentile | $196,468 | $170,008 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $257,421 | $208,165 |
In Burlington, experienced optometrists (P90) earn 73.99% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Optometrist Pay in Burlington
Advanced Certifications in Vermont
VT optometrists with additional specialty certifications within the optometry field earn significantly above the $147,954 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Burlington employers.
Specialty Focus
Optometrists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the optometry field in Burlington command premium compensation, often reaching the $196,468–$257,421 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Burlington metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced optometrists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured optometrists in Burlington with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Optometrists in Vermont who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Optometrist Career & Wage Growth Path in Burlington
Clinical Optometrist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Optometrist
5-10 yearsOptometrist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBurlington ranks #1 of 9 Vermont cities for top earner optometrist salary (90th percentile: $257,421).
Top 10% optometrist compensation in Burlington ($257,421) is 16.8% above the Vermont average P90 ($220,390).
2019 BLS Actual
$240,028
2025 BLS Actual
$250,020
2026 Current Est.
$257,421
2019–2027 Growth
+10.4%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Burlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $240,028 | Actual |
| 2020 | $242,143 | Actual |
| 2021 | $163,410 | Actual |
| 2022 | $236,726 | Actual |
| 2023 | $252,394 | Actual |
| 2024 | $187,220 | Actual |
| 2025 | $250,020 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $257,421 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $265,040 | Projected |
Top-earning optometrists (90th percentile) in Burlington saw their compensation grow 4.2% from $240,028 in 2019 to $250,020 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.96% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $265,040 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burlington 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.
Maximizing Your Optometrist Earnings in Burlington
Specializations can significantly influence senior optometrist pay in VT, particularly in areas such as ocular disease management, where residency training can command higher wages, or pediatric optometry, where the demand for expert care continues to rise. Moreover, compensation structures may vary noticeably by employer type; those working in private practices might enjoy different financial incentives compared to their counterparts in retail optical chains or ophthalmology practices that use an OD/MD model. For professionals eyeing advancement, roles such as practice owner or multi-location operator can provide both leadership opportunities and financial rewards. Furthermore, obtaining advanced certifications—including a residency in ocular disease or certification in glaucoma management—can enhance marketability and contribute to higher salaries. Non-salary benefits also factor prominently at this level; practice ownership equity or shared revenue models in collaborative environments with ophthalmologists can substantially boost overall compensation, making it imperative for optometrists in Burlington to consider both direct pay and ancillary financial opportunities in their career planning.
More salary data for Burlington, VT:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced optometrists make in Burlington in 2026?
What drives higher optometrist pay in Burlington?
What certifications boost optometrist salary in Burlington?
Can experienced optometrists make six figures in Burlington?
How much does optometrist salary increase over time in Burlington?
Related Pages
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Nearby Cities in Vermont
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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $250,020 for optometrists in the Burlington metro area. A 2.96% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 3-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