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Optometrist Salary in Staunton, VA

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

Median Salary
$122,297
per year in Staunton
Entry Level
$73,971
Starting salary
Senior Level
$167,666
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
88
12% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$73,971$122,297$167,666
Monthly$6,164$10,191$13,972
Biweekly$2,845$4,704$6,449
Weekly$1,423$2,352$3,224
Hourly$36$59$81

Staunton vs National Average

How Staunton's optometrist salaries compare to national figures.

Staunton Salary
$122,297
COL Index: 88
National Average
$128,680
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$6,383
Lower in Staunton

Cost of Living in Staunton

1-Bedroom Rent
$850
per month
Median Income
$42,821
per year
Population
25,750
residents
Rent % of Income
23.8%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 88 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Staunton 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
+31%
Los Angeles, CA
$137,070
+12%
Chicago, IL
$138,510
+13%
Houston, TX
$124,780
+2%
Phoenix, AZ
$134,430
+10%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Optometrist Salary in Staunton, VA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a optometrist in Staunton, VA is $122,297 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 88. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Staunton's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level optometrist professionals in Staunton can expect to earn around $73,971 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level optometrists earning approximately $167,666 per year. This represents a 127% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Staunton's cost of living index of 88 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Staunton 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 Staunton typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $850 per month, housing represents about 8.3% 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 Staunton, 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.