Entry-Level Optometrist Salary in South Burlington, VT: $86,249 (2026)
Quick Answer:New optometrists entering the South Burlington, VT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $86,249 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1041, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out South Burlington's local price level (BEA RPP 103.5 — 4% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $83,332 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($148,705) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In South Burlington, Vermont, new optometrists entering the workforce can expect starting salaries set around $86,249. This figure tends to be at the lower end of the pay scale, particularly when compared to the overall median salary of $148,705 for optometrists in the area. For those kicking off their careers within the first few years, there is a growth trajectory that typically sees early-career professionals advancing from $86,249 to approximately $118,469 as they gain experience. Given the local demand and the projected annual growth rate of 2.96%, South Burlington presents a reasonable market for recent graduates looking to launch their optometry careers.
About the South Burlington Market
Salary estimated from Vermont average ($130,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in South Burlington
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in South Burlington
Entry-level optometrists in South Burlington, VT typically start between $86,249 and $118,469 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $125,842 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $148,705 — 5.76% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average optometry program cost in Vermont of $175,000 represents just 202.90% of the starting optometrist pay ($86,249/year) in South Burlington. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on ACOE-accredited Doctor of Optometry programs. Public school OD programs offer lower in-state tuition, while private institutions carry higher out-of-pocket costs. Totals reflect tuition and fees for the 4-year professional program; clinical rotation travel and living costs add to the total cost of attendance.
OD Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in South Burlington
- 1Research the South Burlington market: entry-level optometrist pay ranges from $86,249 to $118,469, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the optometry field — employers in VT often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in South Burlington, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in South Burlington for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5South Burlington's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Optometrist Compensation Range
The optometrist wage spread in South Burlington is $125,842 ( 145.91%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $86,249, experienced hygienists can earn up to $212,091.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$66,236
2025 BLS Actual
$83,769
2026 Current Est.
$86,249
2019–2027 Growth
+34.1%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in South Burlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $66,236 | Actual |
| 2020 | $67,971 | Actual |
| 2021 | $68,911 | Actual |
| 2022 | $69,537 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,703 | Actual |
| 2024 | $73,730 | Actual |
| 2025 | $83,769 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $86,249 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $88,802 | Projected |
Entry-level optometrist compensation (10th percentile) in South Burlington, VT grew 26.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $66,236 in 2019 to $83,769 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $88,802. New graduates entering the South Burlington job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the South Burlington metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.96% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your optometry Career in South Burlington
For entry-level positions, employers that are actively recruiting new optometrists in South Burlington predominantly include retail chains such as LensCrafters and Visionworks. These organizations often provide structured ramp-up programs that facilitate the onboarding of new grads. In contrast, traditional OD/MD practices may favor residency-trained practitioners, while the VA system is known for its pipeline through residency programs. To enhance earning potential, first-year optometrists should focus on obtaining essential credentials, including an OD degree from an ACOE-accredited institution, state licensure, and relevant certifications such as glaucoma management. Furthermore, considering that scope-of-practice has expanded recently, candidates equipped to provide additional services stand to benefit substantially. Those entering the local optometry field can expect potential salary increases as they develop their skills and expand their scope, with many moving closer to the median salary within three years in this vibrant Vermont market.
More salary data for South Burlington, VT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for optometrists in South Burlington in 2026?
How fast do optometrist salaries grow in South Burlington?
Is optometry school worth it in South Burlington?
What do new optometrists make right out of school in South Burlington?
How do I become a optometrist in Vermont?
Related Pages
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new optometry graduates. A 2.96% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in South Burlington. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for South Burlington is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.96%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for optometrists (SOC 29-1041).
Compiled and verified by Aisha Patel, OD, a licensed optometrist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov