Optometrist Salary in Rutland, VT: $134,870 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Rutland, VT earns a median $134,870/year (≈ $64.84/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Rutland's price level (4% above national, BEA RPP 103.5), that paycheck buys what $130,309 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.3% below the Vermont state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Optometrists in Rutland, Vermont, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $134,870 in 2026, a number reflecting local estimates based on 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional price variations. Salaries in the field will range significantly, from $81,679 at the 10th percentile to $187,491 at the 90th percentile. Furthermore, the competitive landscape for optometrists in Rutland benefits from the OD/MD model that allows for surgical co-management, which can supplement income through referral arrangements. While this figure falls slightly below the national median of $140,612, it highlights a job market that values optometric professionals who are willing to integrate additional procedures into their practice.
About the Rutland Market
Salary estimated from Vermont average ($130,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,679 | $39.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $112,589 | $54.13 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $134,870 | $64.84 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $158,555 | $76.23 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $187,491 | $90.14 |
Median Salary Position
4.08% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Rutland
In Rutland, VT, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $105,812 (2026 est.). At $134,870, the local median is 4.08% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Rutland: You'd be above the median
How Rutland Optometrist Pay Compares
Rutland median: $134,870/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Rutland Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Vermont Average | $145,491 | -7.30% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -4.08% less |
Optometrists in Rutland, VT earn a median of $134,870 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.08% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 7.30% below the Vermont state average of $145,491.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Rutland has a cost of living 3.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Rutland, VT has a cost-of-living index of 103.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $134,870 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $130,309 — a 3.38% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$110,544
2025 BLS Actual
$130,993
2026 Current Est.
$134,870
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Rutland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $110,544 | Actual |
| 2020 | $113,229 | Actual |
| 2021 | $119,224 | Actual |
| 2022 | $120,461 | Actual |
| 2023 | $126,475 | Actual |
| 2024 | $124,691 | Actual |
| 2025 | $130,993 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $134,870 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $138,863 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Rutland metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $110,544 (2019) to $130,993 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $138,863 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,319 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rutland 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) | $81,679 – $112,589 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $112,589 – $134,870 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $134,870 – $158,555 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $158,555 – $187,491 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Rutland
With only four optometrists currently practicing in Rutland, the local job market demonstrates a limited but stable demand for eye care professionals. The cost of living index in the area stands at 103.5, which suggests that while the salaries may be lower than the national average, local purchasing power remains reasonable for residents. Employers who tend to offer the highest compensation include ophthalmology practices that utilize the OD/MD collaborative model, as they can capitalize on surgical referrals. The variance in salaries can often be attributed to factors such as practice ownership, the nature of the employing institution (private practice versus retail chains), and specialized training, particularly in ocular disease or VA pathways. New graduates and seasoned optometrists alike should consider enhancing their skills through additional residency training to maximize their earning potential, particularly in specialty areas that are increasingly in demand in Rutland and beyond.
More salary data for Rutland, VT:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $130,993 for optometristsin the Rutland 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 Rutland 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