Average Optometrists Salary in District of Columbia
Yes, District of Columbia is a highly lucrative market for Optometristss. With an average annual salary of $157,130, professionals here earn significantly more than the national norm.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $157,130 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 17.2% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $235,695.
- Outlook: The current demand for Optometristss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 60 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader District of Columbia economy.
Salary Overview
The average Optometrists in District of Columbia earns+11.0%above the national average.
$75.5
$3,022
$13,094
Optometrists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Optometrists salaries in District of Columbia have seen a slight adjustment of -17.2%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Optometrists Salary Distribution in District of Columbia
The earning potential for Optometristss in District of Columbia varies significantly by experience level. There is a substantial income gap, with top earners (90th percentile) making over 2.8x the starting salary. This indicates strong career progression opportunities. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $84,990, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $235,695.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $84,990 | $40.9 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $117,848 | $56.7 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $154,300 | $74.2 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $196,413 | $94.4 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $235,695 | $113.3 |
Detailed Optometrists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$157,130
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$105,669
Adjusted for COL (148.7)
While the average salary of $157,130 in District of Columbia is 11% higher than the national average, you should be aware of the cost of living. With a Cost of Living Index of 148.7, your real purchasing power is actually lower, effectively feeling like $105,669.
Job Market Context
60
Total Jobs
0.083
Per 1K Jobs
0.3
Location Quotient
At 0.30x, District of Columbia has a notably lower concentration of Optometrists jobs than the national average. Opportunities in this area are relatively scarce for this profession.
60 people work as Optometrists in District of Columbia.
Only 0.083 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Optometrists roles — this is a niche profession in the area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Optometrists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD Optometrists Salary | $135,010↓ 14% | 35 mi |
Comparing salaries near District of Columbia
Hiring Optometristss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Optometrists make in District of Columbia?
The median annual salary for a Optometrists in District of Columbia is $157,130. This typically ranges from $84,990 for entry-level positions to $235,695 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in District of Columbia is 11.0% higher than the national median of $141,560.
Is District of Columbia a good place for Optometristss?
Yes, District of Columbia is financially attractive for Optometristss. The average salary of $157,130 exceeds the national average. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is District of Columbia a good place to live for Optometrists?
The Cost of Living Index in District of Columbia is 148.7. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near District of Columbia?
Some top paying nearby cities include Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD ($135,010) and others.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 60 employees in the District of Columbia area with a job density of 0.083 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Optometrists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in District of Columbia