Optometrist Salary in Bristol, VA: $158,435 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Bristol, VA earns a median $158,435/year (≈ $76.17/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Bristol's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $153,522 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 9.2% above the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual optometrist salary in Bristol, Virginia, is $158,435, reflecting a significant growth from previous years and surpassing the national average of $140,612 by 12.68%. With a salary range spanning from $92,477 at the 10th percentile to $221,465 at the 90th percentile, this compensation profile demonstrates a robust market for optometrists in the area. These estimates are informed by 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost variations, which are notable given Bristol's cost of living index of 103.2. The strong scope of practice in Virginia, which includes glaucoma management and various medications, may contribute to these positive salary trends, positioning Bristol as an attractive local market for optometrists.
About the Bristol Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $92,477 | $44.46 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $129,734 | $62.37 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $158,435 | $76.17 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $187,482 | $90.13 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $221,465 | $106.47 |
Median Salary Position
12.68% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bristol
In Bristol, VA, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $128,988 (2026 est.). At $158,435, the local median is 12.68% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Bristol: You'd be above the median
How Bristol Optometrist Pay Compares
Bristol median: $158,435/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bristol Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $145,087 | +9.20% more |
| National Average | $140,612 | +12.68% more |
Optometrists in Bristol, VA earn a median of $158,435 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.68% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 9.20% above the Virginia state average of $145,087.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bristol has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bristol, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $158,435 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $153,522 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$129,858
2025 BLS Actual
$153,880
2026 Current Est.
$158,435
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Bristol (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $129,858 | Actual |
| 2020 | $133,013 | Actual |
| 2021 | $140,055 | Actual |
| 2022 | $141,508 | Actual |
| 2023 | $148,573 | Actual |
| 2024 | $133,973 | Actual |
| 2025 | $153,880 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $158,435 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $163,125 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bristol metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $129,858 (2019) to $153,880 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $163,125 by 2027 — a total increase of $33,267 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bristol 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) | $92,477 – $129,734 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $129,734 – $158,435 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $158,435 – $187,482 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $187,482 – $221,465 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Bristol
Within the Bristol job market, the employment of six optometrists indicates a small yet stable professional community. The cost of living in Bristol, slightly above the national average, directly impacts take-home pay and purchasing power for optometrists. In this market, private optometry practices, particularly those in the OD/MD model or those that have maintained a focus on specialty areas, tend to offer the most competitive compensation. Retail chains like Walmart Vision or more traditional optical placements often pay less. Variability in pay can stem from factors such as ownership stakes in practices, practice affiliations, and specialized training through residencies. For optometrists looking to maximize their earning potential in Bristol, cultivating strong relationships with local ophthalmic surgeons, considering private practice ownership, and pursuing advanced residency training could provide valuable advantages in this competitive field.
More salary data for Bristol, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can optometrists make $100K in Bristol?
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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 $153,880 for optometristsin the Bristol 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 Bristol 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