Senior Optometrist Salary in Burke, VA: $205,675 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of optometrists working in Burke, VA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $205,675/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1041. Strip back Burke's price premium (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $199,297 in average-cost America. The 44% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, seasoned optometrists in Burke, Virginia, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $143,298, which reflects the talent and dedication required to excel in this competitive field. Notably, top earners can command salaries as high as $205,675, illustrating a substantial gap between median and peak compensation. This income potential underscores the significant experience premium associated with senior optometrists, valuing years of practice and advanced patient care. To reach this pinnacle, optometrists not only need extensive clinical knowledge but may also pursue subspecialties that enhance their appeal, allowing them to command wages well above the average for their profession.
About the Burke Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Burke
Experienced optometrists at the top of the pay scale in Burke earn between $171,198 and $205,675 per year (2026 est.). This $122,563 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Burke median of $143,298 sits 1.91% above the US median.
Top OD Salary Comparison
| Level | Burke | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $143,298 | $140,612 |
| 75th Percentile | $171,198 | $170,008 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $205,675 | $208,165 |
In Burke, experienced optometrists (P90) earn 43.53% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Optometrist Pay in Burke
Advanced Certifications in Virginia
VA optometrists with additional specialty certifications within the optometry field earn significantly above the $143,298 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Burke employers.
Specialty Focus
Optometrists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the optometry field in Burke command premium compensation, often reaching the $171,198–$205,675 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Burke metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced optometrists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured optometrists in Burke with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Optometrists in Virginia who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Optometrist Career & Wage Growth Path in Burke
Clinical Optometrist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Optometrist
5-10 yearsOptometrist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBurke ranks #20 of 42 Virginia cities for top earner optometrist salary (90th percentile: $205,675).
Top 10% optometrist compensation in Burke ($205,675) is 7.71% below the Virginia average P90 ($222,847).
2019 BLS Actual
$191,779
2025 BLS Actual
$199,762
2026 Current Est.
$205,675
2019–2027 Growth
+10.4%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Burke (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $191,779 | Actual |
| 2020 | $193,468 | Actual |
| 2021 | $190,089 | Actual |
| 2022 | $189,141 | Actual |
| 2023 | $201,659 | Actual |
| 2024 | $201,035 | Actual |
| 2025 | $199,762 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $205,675 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $211,763 | Projected |
Top-earning optometrists (90th percentile) in Burke saw their compensation grow 4.2% from $191,779 in 2019 to $199,762 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.96% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $211,763 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burke 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.
Maximizing Your Optometrist Earnings in Burke
Compensation packages for senior optometrists are influenced by various factors, including areas of specialization. In Burke, expertise in ocular disease, pediatric optometry, and contact lenses can lead to premium pay rates, especially for those who have completed residencies or possess advanced credentials such as glaucoma certification or training in low vision rehabilitation. The type of employer also plays a crucial role in salary distinctions. Those working in private optometry practices or partnering with ophthalmologists under OD/MD models may benefit from profit-sharing arrangements that enhance their income potential. Additionally, leadership roles such as practice ownership or becoming a faculty member in residency programs present avenues for career advancement. Given the expansion of the optometry scope of practice, especially in Virginia, professionals with a robust skill set are well-positioned to capitalize on these opportunities, further elevating their senior optometrist pay in VA.
More salary data for Burke, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced optometrists make in Burke in 2026?
What drives higher optometrist pay in Burke?
What certifications boost optometrist salary in Burke?
Can experienced optometrists make six figures in Burke?
How much does optometrist salary increase over time in Burke?
Related Pages
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Nearby Cities in Virginia
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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $199,762 for optometrists in the Burke metro area. A 2.96% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Burke 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