Optometrist Salary in Virginia
Based on 1K+ workers in Virginia
Median Annual Salary (VA)
$131,570
$63.25/hr
vs National Average
$136,108
-3.3% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$62K – $236K
1K employed in Virginia
The median Optometrist salary in Virginia is $131,570 per year, positioning it 3% below the national average. With 1,110 optometrists currently employed in the state, this figure reflects the typical earnings for the profession.
Several factors can influence an Optometrist salary in Virginia, including years of experience, the specific type of practice (e.g., private practice versus a large clinic), and geographic location within the state. The broad salary range, from $62,430 to $235,980 annually, underscores these variations.
Salary Distribution — Optometrist in Virginia
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $62,430 |
| 25th percentile | $106,900 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $131,570 |
| 75th percentile | $163,890 |
| 90th percentile | $235,980 |
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 Virginia 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 Virginia vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Virginia) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $131,570 |
| 2026 (projected) | $135,517 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Virginia Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $131,570 | $136,108 |
| 2026 (projected) | $135,517 | $140,191 |
Optometrist Salary by Experience Level in Virginia
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $106,900 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $131,570 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $163,890 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $235,980 |
Optometrist Salary in Other States
Related Optometrist Salaries in Virginia
How other high-demand occupations in Virginia compare to Optometrist ($131,570 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Optometrist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anesthesiologist in VA | $488,310 | +271.1% | $234.76/hr |
| Cardiologist in VA | $461,450 | +250.7% | $221.85/hr |
| Radiologist in VA | $376,270 | +186.0% | $180.90/hr |
| Surgeon in VA | $360,510 | +174.0% | $173.32/hr |
| Psychiatrist in VA | $295,010 | +124.2% | $141.83/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in VA | $282,410 | +114.6% | $135.77/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in VA | $252,110 | +91.6% | $121.21/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in VA | $222,630 | +69.2% | $107.03/hr |
| Dentist in VA | $197,110 | +49.8% | $94.76/hr |
| Pediatrician in VA | $195,940 | +48.9% | $94.20/hr |
| Pharmacist in VA | $144,060 | +9.5% | $69.26/hr |
| Physician Assistant in VA | $135,940 | +3.3% | $65.36/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make in Virginia?
- The median salary for an optometrist in Virginia is $131,570 per year, which translates to approximately $63 per hour. This median figure falls within a broad salary range of $62,430 to $235,980 annually.
What is the average salary for an optometrist in Virginia compared to the national average?
- Optometrists in Virginia earn, on average, 3.3% less than the national average salary. This means the Virginia median salary of $131,570 is lower than the national benchmark.
What is the salary range for optometrists in Virginia?
- The salary range for optometrists in Virginia spans from $62,430 at the lower end to $235,980 at the higher end. The median salary of $131,570 represents the midpoint of what optometrists typically earn in the state.
How many optometrists are employed in Virginia?
- There are approximately 1,110 optometrists employed in Virginia. This indicates a significant number of professionals practicing optometry within the state.