Optometrist Salary in Bennington, VT: $139,456 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Bennington, VT earns a median $139,456/year (≈ $67.05/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Bennington's price level (4% above national, BEA RPP 103.5), that paycheck buys what $134,740 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.2% below the Vermont state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the optometrist salary in Bennington, VT, is projected to reach a median annual figure of $139,456, which reflects the increasing demand for eye care professionals well-versed in the state’s expanded scope of practice, including glaucoma management and the use of oral medications. Optometrists in this area can expect salaries to range from approximately $80,884 at the lower 10th percentile to $194,328 at the highest 90th percentile. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted to account for local economic conditions. With this competitive salary landscape, it's clear that Bennington's job market offers substantial opportunities for those pursuing a career in optometry.
About the Bennington Market
Salary estimated from Vermont average ($130,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,884 | $38.89 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $113,572 | $54.60 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $139,456 | $67.05 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $164,233 | $78.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $194,328 | $93.43 |
Median Salary Position
0.82% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bennington
In Bennington, VT, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $113,444 (2026 est.). At $139,456, the local median is 0.82% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Bennington: You'd be above the median
How Bennington Optometrist Pay Compares
Bennington median: $139,456/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bennington Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Vermont Average | $145,570 | -4.20% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -0.82% less |
Optometrists in Bennington, VT earn a median of $139,456 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.82% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 4.20% below the Vermont state average of $145,570.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bennington has a cost of living 3.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bennington, VT has a cost-of-living index of 103.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $139,456 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $134,740 — a 3.38% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$114,302
2025 BLS Actual
$135,447
2026 Current Est.
$139,456
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Bennington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $114,302 | Actual |
| 2020 | $117,079 | Actual |
| 2021 | $123,278 | Actual |
| 2022 | $124,557 | Actual |
| 2023 | $130,776 | Actual |
| 2024 | $128,931 | Actual |
| 2025 | $135,447 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $139,456 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $143,584 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bennington metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $114,302 (2019) to $135,447 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $143,584 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,282 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bennington 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $80,884 – $113,572 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $113,572 – $139,456 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $139,456 – $164,233 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $164,233 – $194,328 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Bennington
The local job market for optometrists in Bennington is relatively small, with just six professionals currently employed in the field. However, the cost of living index stands at 103.5, above the national average, which influences the real purchasing power of optometrists' salaries. Employers that typically offer higher compensation include retail optical chains like LensCrafters and group practices, although the variance in pay can stem from factors such as ownership structure and practice types. Solo practices may yield different earnings compared to those aligned with larger healthcare systems or groups where optometrists can participate in revenue-sharing models. To maximize optometrist pay in Bennington, developing expertise through residency training in ocular disease and maintaining strong referral relationships within the medical community can be beneficial. Understanding the nuances of the local employment scene will help ODs leverage their qualifications effectively.
More salary data for Bennington, VT:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make in Bennington, VT in 2026?
Is Bennington, VT a good place to work as a optometrist?
Can optometrists make $100K in Bennington?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted optometrist salary in Bennington?
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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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $135,447 for optometristsin the Bennington metropolitan area. A 2.96% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Bennington 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