Optometrist Salary in McLean, VA: $142,059 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in McLean, VA earns a median $142,059/year (≈ $68.29/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in McLean's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $137,654 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.1% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the optometrist salary in McLean, VA, is projected to reach a median of $142,059, slightly exceeding the national median of $140,612. This locally derived estimate reflects the increased scope of practice in Virginia, which includes the management of glaucoma, the use of oral medications, and certain laser procedures. The salary range for optometrists in this area varies significantly, from $82,395 at the 10th percentile to $201,031 at the 90th percentile. These figures are informed by 2025 BLS data projected to 2026 and adjusted for regional cost of living, which stands at a competitive index of 103.2, indicating that McLean's job market for optometrists is robust and caters to the higher end of the healthcare salary spectrum.
About the McLean Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $82,395 | $39.61 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $112,130 | $53.91 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $142,059 | $68.29 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $168,294 | $80.91 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $201,031 | $96.65 |
Median Salary Position
1.03% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in McLean
In McLean, VA, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $118,636 (2026 est.). At $142,059, the local median is 1.03% above the national median of $140,612.
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At 40 hours/week in McLean: You'd be above the median
How McLean Optometrist Pay Compares
McLean median: $142,059/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | McLean Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $145,106 | -2.10% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | +1.03% more |
Optometrists in McLean, VA earn a median of $142,059 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.03% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 2.10% below the Virginia state average of $145,106.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
McLean has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
McLean, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $142,059 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $137,654 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$116,436
2025 BLS Actual
$137,975
2026 Current Est.
$142,059
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in McLean (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $116,436 | Actual |
| 2020 | $119,264 | Actual |
| 2021 | $125,579 | Actual |
| 2022 | $126,882 | Actual |
| 2023 | $133,217 | Actual |
| 2024 | $136,389 | Actual |
| 2025 | $137,975 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $142,059 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $146,264 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the McLean metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $116,436 (2019) to $137,975 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $146,264 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,828 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the McLean 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) | $82,395 – $112,130 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $112,130 – $142,059 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $142,059 – $168,294 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $168,294 – $201,031 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in McLean
With only 11 optometrists currently practicing in McLean, competition for positions remains favorable yet concentrated. The local cost of living may impact take-home pay, as the 103.2 index suggests that residents may face higher living expenses relative to the national average. Various employers contribute to the pay scale, with private practices generally paying more than retail optical chains. Flexibility in practice ownership structures, such as those adopting an OD/MD model that allows for surgical referrals, can also result in higher earnings. Additionally, residency training—particularly in ocular disease or those on the VA pathway—often provides a premium in terms of salary. To maximize optometrist pay in McLean, focusing on niche specialties, considering opportunities in integrated care settings, and advocating for one’s value will be vital strategies for advancement in a competitive market.
More salary data for McLean, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can optometrists make $100K in McLean?
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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 $137,975 for optometristsin the McLean 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 McLean 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