Average Optometrists Salary in West Virginia
The average salary for a Optometrists in West Virginia is $136,210. This compensation is in line with national standards, reflecting a balanced and stable local job market.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $136,210 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 5.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $215,640.
- Outlook: The current demand for Optometristss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 150 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader West Virginia economy.
Salary Overview
The average Optometrists in West Virginia earns-3.8%below the national average.
$65.5
$2,619
$11,351
Optometrists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Optometrists salaries in West Virginia have seen a slight adjustment of -5.0%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Optometrists Salary Distribution in West Virginia
The earning potential for Optometristss in West Virginia varies significantly by experience level. There is a substantial income gap, with top earners (90th percentile) making over 3.4x the starting salary. This indicates strong career progression opportunities. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $63,460, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $215,640.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $63,460 | $30.5 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $102,158 | $49.1 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $130,190 | $62.6 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $170,263 | $81.9 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $215,640 | $103.7 |
Detailed Optometrists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$136,210
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$153,910
Adjusted for COL (88.5)
This is a financial "Hidden Gem". Although the nominal salary is $136,210, the lower cost of living in West Virginia (11.5% below national average) boosts your purchasing power to an equivalent of $153,910. This allows for significant savings.
Job Market Context
150
Total Jobs
0.208
Per 1K Jobs
0.77
Location Quotient
West Virginia has 0.77x 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.
150 people work as Optometrists in West Virginia.
Only 0.208 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. |
|---|---|---|
| Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH Optometrists Salary | $128,870↓ 5% | 80 mi |
Comparing salaries near West Virginia
Hiring Optometristss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Optometrists make in West Virginia?
The median annual salary for a Optometrists in West Virginia is $136,210. This typically ranges from $63,460 for entry-level positions to $215,640 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in West Virginia is 3.8% lower than the national median of $141,560.
Is West Virginia a good place for Optometristss?
It depends on your priorities. While the average Optometrists salary in West Virginia is $136,210 (below the national average), the area may offer a lower cost of living or other lifestyle benefits typical of West Virginia. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is West Virginia a good place to live for Optometrists?
With a Cost of Living Index of 88.5 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near West Virginia?
Some top paying nearby cities include Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH ($128,870) 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 150 employees in the West Virginia area with a job density of 0.208 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 West Virginia