Optometrist Salary in District of Columbia
Based on 50+ workers in District of Columbia
Median Annual Salary (DC)
$134,840
$64.83/hr
vs National Average
$136,108
-0.9% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$103K – $208K
50 employed in District of Columbia
Optometrist salary in District of Columbia averages $134,840 annually, according to current labor data. With approximately 50 optometrists employed in the district, this median falls just 1% below the national average. Salaries in this field range from $102,570 to $207,570 per year, reflecting considerable variation based on individual circumstances and practice settings.
Several factors influence optometrist compensation in the District of Columbia, including years of clinical experience, type of employer, and specialization areas. Optometrists working in private practices, hospitals, or retail settings may see different earning potential. Additionally, advanced certifications, patient volume, and geographic location within the district can impact overall earnings and career trajectory in this healthcare profession.
Salary Distribution — Optometrist in District of Columbia
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $102,570 |
| 25th percentile | $113,030 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $134,840 |
| 75th percentile | $163,070 |
| 90th percentile | $207,570 |
Top-Paying Industries for Optometrist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Optometrists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Optometrists in District of Columbia tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $166,410 | 60 |
| Administrative and Support Services | $160,100 | — |
| Retail Trade | $159,250 | 6K |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $134,370 | 36K |
| Educational Services | $124,280 | 110 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Optometrist in District of Columbia vs National
| Year | Median Salary (District of Columbia) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $106,350 |
| 2023 | $149,990 |
| 2024 | $154,300 |
| 2025 | $134,840 |
| 2026 (projected) | $134,840 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | District of Columbia Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $106,350 | $121,162 |
| 2023 | $149,990 | $129,589 |
| 2024 | $154,300 | $131,624 |
| 2025 | $134,840 | $136,108 |
| 2026 (projected) | $134,840 | $136,108 |
Optometrist Salary by Experience Level in District of Columbia
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $113,030 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $134,840 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $163,070 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $207,570 |
Optometrist Salary in Other States
Related Optometrist Salaries in District of Columbia
How other high-demand occupations in District of Columbia compare to Optometrist ($134,840 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Optometrist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency Medicine Physician in DC | $318,200 | +136.0% | $152.98/hr |
| Podiatrist in DC | $265,740 | +97.1% | $127.76/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in DC | $233,390 | +73.1% | $112.21/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in DC | $223,250 | +65.6% | $107.33/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in DC | $202,570 | +50.2% | $97.39/hr |
| Psychiatrist in DC | $183,080 | +35.8% | $88.02/hr |
| Radiologist in DC | $182,450 | +35.3% | $87.72/hr |
| Medical and Health Services Manager in DC | $155,140 | +15.1% | $74.59/hr |
| Pharmacist in DC | $153,400 | +13.8% | $73.75/hr |
| Dental Hygienist in DC | $137,220 | +1.8% | $65.97/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in DC | $135,880 | +0.8% | $65.33/hr |
| Physician Assistant in DC | $135,140 | +0.2% | $64.97/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make in Washington DC?
- The median salary for optometrists in District of Columbia is $134,840 per year, or $65 per hour. This is slightly below the national average by 0.9%, meaning DC optometrists earn competitive wages compared to the rest of the country.
What is the salary range for optometrists in DC?
- Optometrist salaries in District of Columbia range from $102,570 at the lower end to $207,570 at the upper end. This wide range reflects differences in experience, specialization, and individual practice success.
How many optometrists are employed in Washington DC?
- There are approximately 50 optometrists currently employed in District of Columbia. This represents a relatively small but established professional community in the region.
Is working as an optometrist in DC better paid than the national average?
- No, optometrist salaries in DC are slightly lower than the national average, at 0.9% below. Despite this modest difference, the median salary of $134,840 remains a strong income for the profession.