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Average Optometrists Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV

Optometrists in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metropolitan area earn an impressive average annual salary of $167,900. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $141,560, indicating a strong demand and potentially higher cost of doing business or living that influences compensation in this region. The robust economic landscape of the nation's capital area likely contributes to this elevated pay scale for specialized healthcare professionals.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $167,900 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 23.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $226,060.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 720 Optometrists and a Location Quotient of 0.85, the job market in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests a stable, albeit not exceptionally dense, demand for eye care professionals. The presence of a substantial workforce indicates ongoing opportunities, while the LQ below 1.0 implies that while the area employs optometrists, it doesn't disproportionately rely on them compared to other professions nationally.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$167,900

The average Optometrists in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV earns+18.6%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$80.7

Weekly

$3,229

Monthly

$13,992

Optometrists Salary Distribution in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV

Career progression for Optometrists in this region typically sees a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start considerably lower than the average, while senior practitioners with specialized skills or practice ownership can command salaries well above the $167,900 mark. The percentile gaps between junior and senior roles underscore the substantial earning potential and career advancement opportunities available within the field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience.10% (Entry)$70,620$34
Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures.25% (Junior)$125,925$60.5
Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification.50% (Median)$163,320$78.5
SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases.75% (Senior)$209,875$100.9
Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider.90% (Expert)$226,060$108.7

Detailed Optometrists Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$167,900

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$167,900

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $167,900 for Optometrists in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the higher nominal salary offers a purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making the region financially comparable to other parts of the country in terms of everyday expenses.

Job Market Context

720

Total Jobs

0.231

Per 1K Jobs

0.85

Location Quotient

Below Average

Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV has 0.85x the national average concentration of Optometrists jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

The Location Quotient of 0.85 for Optometrists in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area suggests that the concentration of these professionals is slightly below the national average. This indicates a healthy job market where demand is present, but the field is not oversaturated, potentially leading to competitive opportunities for qualified individuals without extreme competition.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Optometrists

CitySalaryDist.
Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD Optometrists Salary$135,010↓ 20%35 mi

Comparing salaries near Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV

Hiring Optometristss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Optometrists make in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?

The median annual salary for a Optometrists in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is $167,900. This typically ranges from $70,620 for entry-level positions to $226,060 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is 18.6% higher than the national median of $141,560.

Is Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV a lucrative place for Optometrists?

Yes, it is a lucrative place for Optometrists.Optometrists in this region earn a substantial $167,900 annually, significantly above the national average. Coupled with a Cost of Living Index matching the national average, this salary offers strong purchasing power.

Is Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV a good place to live for Optometrists?

The Cost of Living Index in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?

Some top paying nearby cities include Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD ($135,010) and others.

How does the Optometrist salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Optometrists in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area is $167,900, which is considerably higher than the national average of $141,560.

What is the Cost of Living in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area for Optometrists?

The Cost of Living Index in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning your salary has average purchasing power.

How concentrated is the Optometrist job market in this region?

The Location Quotient of 0.85 indicates that the concentration of Optometrists is slightly below the national average, suggesting a balanced job market.

What is the total number of Optometrists employed in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area?

There are approximately 720 Optometrists employed within the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metropolitan area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 720 employees in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area with a job density of 0.231 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Top Jobs in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV

Semantic Salary Analysis for Optometrists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV