Optometrists Salary in Richmond, VA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Richmond, VA

Median annual salary $132,120 -2% vs national
Median hourly $63.52
10th percentile $90,190
90th percentile $208,510
Employed locally 180
National median $134,830

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Optometrists
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Richmond, VA
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $90,190
    25th
    $112,920
    50th (median)
    $132,120
    75th
    $161,430
    90th
    $208,510

    Richmond economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.00% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $84,405 2023 • Census ACS
    Optometrists salary vs area income 157% Median Optometrists salary is 57% above the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Optometrists

    Metro areaMedian salary
    La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN $176,930
    Asheville, NC $167,980
    Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area $166,920
    Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA $165,870
    Alaska $165,830
    Reno, NV $165,060

    Nearby metros — Optometrists salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV $163,320
    Vallejo, CA $156,410
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $149,340
    Nevada $146,760
    Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA $134,800
    Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA $134,760

    Related occupations in Richmond, VA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Registered Nurses$89,730
    Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses$62,590
    Pharmacy Technicians$41,400
    Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians$59,260
    Physicians, All Other$284,090
    Pharmacists$138,310

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Optometrists make per hour in Richmond?

    The median hourly wage for Optometrists in Richmond, VA is $63.52, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $92.20 or more per hour.

    Is Richmond above or below average for Optometrists salaries?

    The median Optometrists salary in Richmond, VA is 2% below the national median of $134,830. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Optometrists in Richmond?

    Entry-level Optometrists (10th percentile) earn around $90,190 per year in Richmond, VA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $112,920.