Optometrist Salary in Springfield, VA: $139,694 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Springfield, VA earns a median $139,694/year (≈ $67.16/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Springfield's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $135,362 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.7% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Among optometrists in Springfield, Virginia, 2026 projections indicate a median annual salary of $139,694, while the salary range spans from $83,495 to $202,172. These figures reflect the potential revenue generated through the OD/MD model for surgical co-management, which significantly enhances earning opportunities. Data is derived from 2025 BLS state-level data and regional cost adjustments, providing local insight into compensation for optometrists. When comparing this median to the national average of $140,612, Springfield’s optometrist pay appears slightly below the national standard, making it essential for practitioners to consider various factors influencing their earnings and practice models in this market.
About the Springfield Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $83,495 | $40.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $115,914 | $55.73 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $139,694 | $67.16 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $167,909 | $80.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $202,172 | $97.19 |
Median Salary Position
0.65% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Springfield
In Springfield, VA, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $118,677 (2026 est.). At $139,694, the local median is 0.65% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Springfield: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Springfield Optometrist Pay Compares
Springfield median: $139,694/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Springfield Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $145,061 | -3.70% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -0.65% less |
Optometrists in Springfield, VA earn a median of $139,694 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.65% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 3.70% below the Virginia state average of $145,061.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Springfield has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Springfield, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $139,694 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $135,362 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$114,497
2025 BLS Actual
$135,678
2026 Current Est.
$139,694
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Springfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $114,497 | Actual |
| 2020 | $117,279 | Actual |
| 2021 | $123,488 | Actual |
| 2022 | $124,770 | Actual |
| 2023 | $130,999 | Actual |
| 2024 | $134,119 | Actual |
| 2025 | $135,678 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $139,694 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $143,829 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Springfield metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $114,497 (2019) to $135,678 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $143,829 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,332 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Springfield 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) | $83,495 – $115,914 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $115,914 – $139,694 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $139,694 – $167,909 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $167,909 – $202,172 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Springfield
The job market for optometrists in Springfield is relatively stable, with eight professionals currently employed in the area. The cost of living index of 103.2 suggests that expenses are somewhat elevated compared to the national average, which can impact take-home pay. Among local employers, private optometry practices, particularly those utilizing the OD/MD co-management model, tend to offer higher compensation due to shared surgical revenue. Factors contributing to the spread in salaries include ownership equity, the nature of practice setting, and the presence of residency-trained optometrists, who typically command a premium. Understanding how to navigate the local market’s dynamics can help optometrists maximize their earnings potential in Springfield, whether through joining established practices or pursuing advanced certifications that enhance their skill set.
More salary data for Springfield, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make in Springfield, VA in 2026?
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Can optometrists make $100K in Springfield?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted optometrist salary in Springfield?
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Related Pages
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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 $135,678 for optometristsin the Springfield 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 Springfield 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