Senior Optometrist Salary in South Burlington, VT: $212,091 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of optometrists working in South Burlington, VT — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $212,091/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1041. Strip back South Burlington's price premium (BEA RPP 103.5, 4% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $204,919 in average-cost America. The 43% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In South Burlington, the earnings potential for senior optometrists is significant, particularly for those operating at the top of their profession. The projected 2026 median annual salary of $148,705 reflects a solid compensation framework, while the top tier salary (P90) reaches an impressive $212,091. This creates a notable disparity when compared to the median, indicating the heightened earning potential for experts with over seven years of experience. To attain such top-tier pay in South Burlington, optometrists need not only clinical expertise but also a willingness to engage in specialized fields like ocular disease or pediatric optometry. Establishing a robust reputation in the community and possibly owning a practice are critical strategies for elevating one's income toward these upper echelons of senior optometrist pay in VT.
About the South Burlington Market
Salary estimated from Vermont average ($130,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in South Burlington
Experienced optometrists at the top of the pay scale in South Burlington earn between $178,141 and $212,091 per year (2026 est.). This $125,842 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The South Burlington median of $148,705 sits 5.76% above the US median.
Top OD Salary Comparison
| Level | South Burlington | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $148,705 | $140,612 |
| 75th Percentile | $178,141 | $170,008 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $212,091 | $208,165 |
In South Burlington, experienced optometrists (P90) earn 42.63% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Optometrist Pay in South Burlington
Advanced Certifications in Vermont
VT optometrists with additional specialty certifications within the optometry field earn significantly above the $148,705 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by South Burlington employers.
Specialty Focus
Optometrists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the optometry field in South Burlington command premium compensation, often reaching the $178,141–$212,091 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the South Burlington metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced optometrists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured optometrists in South 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 South Burlington
Clinical Optometrist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Optometrist
5-10 yearsOptometrist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedSouth Burlington ranks #2 of 9 Vermont cities for top earner optometrist salary (90th percentile: $212,091).
Top 10% optometrist compensation in South Burlington ($212,091) is 3.77% below the Vermont average P90 ($220,390).
2019 BLS Actual
$197,762
2025 BLS Actual
$205,994
2026 Current Est.
$212,091
2019–2027 Growth
+10.4%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in South Burlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $197,762 | Actual |
| 2020 | $199,504 | Actual |
| 2021 | $196,019 | Actual |
| 2022 | $195,041 | Actual |
| 2023 | $207,950 | Actual |
| 2024 | $184,501 | Actual |
| 2025 | $205,994 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $212,091 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $218,369 | Projected |
Top-earning optometrists (90th percentile) in South Burlington saw their compensation grow 4.2% from $197,762 in 2019 to $205,994 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 $218,369 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the South 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 South Burlington
Prospective earners should consider that specializations can significantly influence their compensation. Senior optometrists focusing on ocular disease, vision therapy, and pediatric care often see a premium on their salaries. Additionally, the employer type affects pay scales. Those in private practices or working within the OD/MD model may enjoy different financial dynamics compared to those in retail optical chains or insurance-based settings. Advanced qualifications like residency training, glaucoma certification, and a solid state optometry license enhance marketability and can contribute to a higher salary. Career advancement opportunities, such as becoming a practice owner or faculty member for residency programs, offer further pathways to increase income. Non-salary compensation aspects, including equity in practice ownership or revenue-sharing in the OD/MD model, also play an essential role in the overall financial success of senior optometrists in South Burlington.
More salary data for South Burlington, VT:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced optometrists make in South Burlington in 2026?
What drives higher optometrist pay in South Burlington?
What certifications boost optometrist salary in South Burlington?
Can experienced optometrists make six figures in South Burlington?
How much does optometrist salary increase over time in South Burlington?
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
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 $205,994 for optometrists in the South 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
Salary data for South Burlington 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