Optometrists Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Optometrists in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV make a median of $163,320 a year, or about $78.52 an hour. The range runs from $71K at the entry level to $226K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 108.88), so that salary is closer to $150,000 in real purchasing power. Rent on a 2-bedroom averages $2,246/month, or 23.3% of estimated take-home pay.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $163K get you in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
About optometrists
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Entry-level optometrists (10th percentile) start around $71K. Mid-career wages sit at $163K.Top earners bring in $226K or more - a $155K spread from bottom to top.
Optometrists pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $166K | +23% | 70 |
| New York | $163K | +21% | 2,500 |
| Maryland | $158K | +17% | 870 |
| Washington | $158K | +17% | 930 |
| Vermont | $156K | +16% | 100 |
| New Jersey | $156K | +16% | 950 |
| New Mexico | $155K | +15% | 140 |
| District of Columbia | $154K | +14% | 60 |
| North Carolina | $154K | +14% | 1,400 |
| Massachusetts | $151K | +12% | 1,120 |
| Minnesota | $150K | +11% | 700 |
| Nevada | $147K | +9% | 360 |
| Rhode Island | $144K | +7% | 220 |
| Connecticut | $143K | +6% | 410 |
| Delaware | $138K | +2% | 180 |
Track optometrists salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Washington-Arlington-Alexandria numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do optometrists make in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
The median is $163,320 a year - that works out to about $78.52 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $70,620, and experienced optometrists can clear $226,060. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $163K enough to live in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $9,278/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $2,246/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 24.2% of your paycheck. That's under the 30% guideline most financial planners use, so the numbers work.
How far does a optometrists salary go in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria has a Regional Price Parity of 108.88 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median optometrists salary is worth about $150,000 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do optometrists get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.