Senior Optometrist Salary in Hampton, VA: $219,578 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of optometrists working in Hampton, VA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $219,578/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1041. Strip back Hampton's price premium (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $212,769 in average-cost America. The 51% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, seasoned optometrists in Hampton, Virginia can expect to earn substantial incomes, with top earners projected to make as much as $219,578. This figure reflects the significant earning potential for experienced professionals, particularly in a market where the median annual salary sits at $144,951. This notable difference underscores the advantage of having extensive experience and perhaps specialization. The path to such top-tier compensation often involves additional education and certifications, including residency training in ocular disease or pediatric optometry, which can greatly enhance one’s earning capabilities in Hampton as compared to the national average.
About the Hampton Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hampton
Experienced optometrists at the top of the pay scale in Hampton earn between $181,262 and $219,578 per year (2026 est.). This $135,506 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Hampton median of $144,951 sits 3.09% above the US median.
Top OD Salary Comparison
| Level | Hampton | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $144,951 | $140,612 |
| 75th Percentile | $181,262 | $170,008 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $219,578 | $208,165 |
In Hampton, experienced optometrists (P90) earn 51.48% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Optometrist Pay in Hampton
Advanced Certifications in Virginia
VA optometrists with additional specialty certifications within the optometry field earn significantly above the $144,951 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Hampton employers.
Specialty Focus
Optometrists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the optometry field in Hampton command premium compensation, often reaching the $181,262–$219,578 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Hampton metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced optometrists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured optometrists in Hampton 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 Virginia 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 Hampton
Clinical Optometrist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Optometrist
5-10 yearsOptometrist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedHampton ranks #8 of 42 Virginia cities for top earner optometrist salary (90th percentile: $219,578).
Top 10% optometrist compensation in Hampton ($219,578) is 1.47% below the Virginia average P90 ($222,847).
2019 BLS Actual
$204,742
2025 BLS Actual
$213,265
2026 Current Est.
$219,578
2019–2027 Growth
+10.4%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Hampton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $204,742 | Actual |
| 2020 | $206,546 | Actual |
| 2021 | $202,938 | Actual |
| 2022 | $201,926 | Actual |
| 2023 | $215,290 | Actual |
| 2024 | $214,608 | Actual |
| 2025 | $213,265 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $219,578 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $226,077 | Projected |
Top-earning optometrists (90th percentile) in Hampton saw their compensation grow 4.2% from $204,742 in 2019 to $213,265 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 $226,077 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hampton 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 Hampton
In the competitive landscape of senior optometrist pay in VA, specialized skills can command even higher salaries. For instance, practitioners focusing on ocular disease or those with expertise in pediatric optometry often see non-salary benefits like enhanced opportunities for partnership in practices or clinical faculty roles emerge. Employment settings, too, have a considerable impact on compensation. Experienced optometrists in private practice may enjoy more equity and shared profits, especially if they own or partner in a practice, compared to those in retail optical chains. Furthermore, advanced credentials such as an OD degree from an ACOE-accredited school or residency training can enhance career progression towards positions like practice owner or multi-location operator. The current market also favors optometrists capable of performing a wider range of services, including glaucoma management and other emerging areas, positioning them for long-term financial growth in Hampton.
More salary data for Hampton, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced optometrists make in Hampton in 2026?
What drives higher optometrist pay in Hampton?
What certifications boost optometrist salary in Hampton?
Can experienced optometrists make six figures in Hampton?
How much does optometrist salary increase over time in Hampton?
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 $213,265 for optometrists in the Hampton 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 Hampton 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