Healthcare Vermont (VT) Rank #16 of 50

Optometrist Salary in Vermont

The median optometrist salary in Vermont is $129,358 per year, which is 3.0% above the national median of $125,590.

Median Salary
$129,358
vs National
+$3,768
State Rank
#16 of 50
Cost of Living
101%

Optometrist Salary Overview in Vermont (2026)

Vermont ranks #16 out of 50 states for optometrist compensation. Vermont falls in the middle of the pack for optometrist pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $129,358 per year, optometrists in Vermont earn $3,768 more than the national median of $125,590.

Vermont's cost of living is near the national average at 101%, meaning optometrist salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Vermont is significant: optometrists at the 10th percentile earn $80,340, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $197,760 — a $117,420 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Vermont for this role is Burlington, where the median reaches $140,661.

Nationally, optometrist employment is projected to grow 9% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for optometrists across the country.

Optometrist Salary in Vermont by Experience

In Vermont, an entry-level optometrist earns around $84,460, while experienced professionals earn up to $183,340 per year. The cost of living index in Vermont is 101% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$84,460
+$2,460 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$131,840
+$3,840 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$183,340
+$5,340 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Vermont

Percentile VT Salary
10th Percentile $80,340
25th Percentile $103,000
Median (50th) $129,358
75th Percentile $162,740
90th Percentile $197,760

Optometrist Salary by City in Vermont

The largest employment areas for optometrists in Vermont include Burlington, Essex, South Burlington, and Colchester. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Optometrist in Vermont

Education

Most optometrist positions require a doctoral degree. Vermont has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Eye ExaminationRefractionContact Lens FittingOcular DiseasePatient EducationDiagnostic Equipment

Job Outlook in Vermont

Nationally, optometrist employment is projected to grow 9% over the next decade (faster than average). Vermont's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Optometrist Salary in Vermont

How much does a Optometrist make in Vermont? ▼
The median optometrist salary in Vermont is $129,358 per year, which is 3.0% above the national median of $125,590. Salaries range from $80,340 (10th percentile) to $197,760 (90th percentile).
How much does a Optometrist make per hour in Vermont? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $129,358, a optometrist in Vermont earns approximately $62 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Vermont a good state for optometrists? ▼
Vermont ranks #16 out of 50 states for optometrist pay. The cost of living index is 101% of the national average. Entry-level optometrists earn $84,460, while senior professionals earn $183,340.
How does Vermont compare to other states for optometrist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for optometrists is Hawaii at $223,550. Vermont's median of $129,358 ranks #16 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Virginia ($133,125) and Delaware ($129,358).
What is the entry-level optometrist salary in Vermont? ▼
An entry-level optometrist in Vermont earns approximately $84,460 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $131,840. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $183,340.
What city in Vermont pays optometrists the most? ▼
Burlington is the highest paying city in Vermont for optometrists, with a median salary of $140,661. Other cities include Essex and South Burlington.