Bennington vs Brattleboro: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Bennington, VT and Brattleboro, VT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bennington, VT | Brattleboro, VT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $139,456▲ | $137,880 |
| Hourly Rate | $67.05▲ | $66.29 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,884▲ | $79,970 |
| 25th Percentile | $113,572▲ | $110,323 |
| 75th Percentile | $164,233▲ | $160,733 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $194,328▲ | $188,813 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 6 |
Verdict
Bennington, VT offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Brattleboro.
The salary gap between Bennington and Brattleboro is $1,576 (1.14%). Bennington's median is -0.82% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bennington spans $113,444,Brattleboro spans $108,843. Bennington has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Bennington ($134,740 effective) pays 1.14% more than Brattleboro ($133,217 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bennington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($139,456/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($194,328)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $134,740)
- ✓You prefer the Vermont area and lifestyle
Choose Brattleboro if…
- ✓You prefer the Vermont area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Bennington grew 5.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 5.1% growth in Brattleboro over the same period.
Bennington, VT
$128,931 (2024) → $135,447 (2025)
Brattleboro, VT
$127,474 (2024) → $133,916 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bennington, VT
Brattleboro, VT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Bennington or Brattleboro?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bennington and Brattleboro?
Should I relocate from Bennington to Brattleboro as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Bennington vs Brattleboro?
Written by Aisha Patel, OD
Career Analyst
Aisha Patel has 10 years of experience in optometry. She specializes in pediatric vision care. Aisha works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.96% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Aisha Patel, OD, a licensed optometrist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov