Optometrist Salary in Fredericksburg, VA: $141,270 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Fredericksburg, VA earns a median $141,270/year (≈ $67.92/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Fredericksburg's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $136,890 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.6% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fredericksburg, Virginia, optometrists can expect to earn a median annual salary of $141,270 in 2026. This figure aligns closely with the national median of $140,612, reflecting a slight local premium of 0.47%. The salary range for optometrists in this area spans from $81,937 at the 10th percentile to $207,523 at the 90th percentile, illustrating the diverse earning potential tied to factors like practice ownership and patient referral relationships, particularly within the OD/MD model utilized in surgical co-management scenarios. The salary estimates are derived from BLS state-level data and regional price parities, providing a localized context for understanding the optometrist pay landscape in Fredericksburg.
About the Fredericksburg Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,937 | $39.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $119,150 | $57.29 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $141,270 | $67.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $171,674 | $82.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $207,523 | $99.77 |
Median Salary Position
0.47% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fredericksburg
In Fredericksburg, VA, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $125,586 (2026 est.). At $141,270, the local median is 0.47% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Fredericksburg: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Fredericksburg Optometrist Pay Compares
Fredericksburg median: $141,270/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fredericksburg Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $145,041 | -2.60% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | +0.47% more |
Optometrists in Fredericksburg, VA earn a median of $141,270 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.47% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 2.60% below the Virginia state average of $145,041.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fredericksburg has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Fredericksburg, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $141,270 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $136,890 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$115,789
2025 BLS Actual
$137,209
2026 Current Est.
$141,270
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Fredericksburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $115,789 | Actual |
| 2020 | $118,602 | Actual |
| 2021 | $124,882 | Actual |
| 2022 | $126,178 | Actual |
| 2023 | $132,477 | Actual |
| 2024 | $135,632 | Actual |
| 2025 | $137,209 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $141,270 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $145,452 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fredericksburg metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $115,789 (2019) to $137,209 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $145,452 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,663 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fredericksburg 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) | $81,937 – $119,150 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $119,150 – $141,270 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $141,270 – $171,674 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $171,674 – $207,523 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Fredericksburg
With only seven optometrists currently employed in Fredericksburg, the job market is relatively niche, presenting unique advantages and challenges. The cost-of-living index sits at 103.2, slightly above the national average, which can impact purchasing power for residents. Employers that typically offer the highest salaries include private optometry practices embracing the OD/MD model, which allow for additional revenue sharing through surgical referrals. The disparity between the lower and upper salary ranges is driven by factors such as practice ownership equity, variations in practice models (retail chain vs. independent), and the demands placed on residency-trained optometrists. For those looking to maximize their earnings in the Fredericksburg market, aligning with ophthalmology practices or pursuing advanced training in ocular disease management can be strategic moves. Additionally, staying informed about local market trends and networking within established practices can further enhance earning potential in this evolving field.
More salary data for Fredericksburg, VA:
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 $137,209 for optometristsin the Fredericksburg 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 Fredericksburg 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