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Optometrist Salary in Charlottesville, VA

How much does a optometrist make in Charlottesville? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Charlottesville's cost of living.

Median Salary
$155,651
per year in Charlottesville
Entry Level
$94,144
Starting salary
Senior Level
$213,393
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
112
12% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how optometrist salaries break down across different pay periods in Charlottesville.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$94,144$155,651$213,393
Monthly$7,845$12,971$17,783
Biweekly$3,621$5,987$8,207
Weekly$1,810$2,993$4,104
Hourly$45$75$103

Charlottesville vs National Average

How Charlottesville's optometrist salaries compare to national figures.

Charlottesville Salary
$155,651
COL Index: 112
National Average
$128,680
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$26,971
Higher in Charlottesville

Cost of Living in Charlottesville

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,350
per month
Median Income
$56,120
per year
Population
46,553
residents
Rent % of Income
28.9%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 112 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Charlottesville have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Optometrist

Overview

Perform eye exams and prescribe corrective lenses and treatments.

Education

Doctor of Optometry (OD); licensure required

Key Skills

Eye ExaminationLens PrescriptionPatient CareDiagnostic Skills

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +14% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Optometrist Salary

See Optometrist salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$160,520
+3%
Los Angeles, CA
$137,070
-12%
Chicago, IL
$138,510
-11%
Houston, TX
$124,780
-20%
Phoenix, AZ
$134,430
-14%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Optometrist Salary in Charlottesville, VA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a optometrist in Charlottesville, VA is $155,651 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 112. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Charlottesville's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level optometrist professionals in Charlottesville can expect to earn around $94,144 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level optometrists earning approximately $213,393 per year. This represents a 127% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Charlottesville's cost of living index of 112 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Charlottesville are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $128,680, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a optometrist's salary in Charlottesville typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,350 per month, housing represents about 10.4% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Optometrists are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 14% over the next decade. In Charlottesville, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Data source: Salary estimates on this page are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.