Healthcare Virginia Beach, VA Pop. 449,974

Optometrist Salary in Virginia Beach, Virginia

The median optometrist salary in Virginia Beach, VA is $130,614 per year, which is 4.0% above the national median and 1.9% below the Virginia state average.

City Median
$130,614
vs State Avg
$-2,511
vs National
+$5,024
Cost of Living
102%

Optometrist Pay in Virginia Beach: What to Expect (2026)

Virginia Beach offers a median optometrist salary of $130,614, which is $2,511 below the Virginia state average of $133,125. Compared to the national median of $125,590, Virginia Beach pays above average for this role.

Virginia Beach's cost of living is 102% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for optometrists in Virginia Beach spans from $81,120 at the 10th percentile to $199,680 at the 90th percentile — a $118,560 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $85,280, while senior optometrists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $185,120. With a population of 449,974, Virginia Beach is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Optometrist Salary in Virginia Beach by Experience

In Virginia Beach, an entry-level optometrist earns around $85,280, while experienced professionals earn up to $185,120 per year. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$85,280
+$3,280 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$133,120
+$5,120 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$185,120
+$7,120 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Virginia Beach, VA

Percentile Virginia Beach
10th Percentile $81,120
25th Percentile $104,000
Median (50th) $130,614
75th Percentile $164,320
90th Percentile $199,680

Optometrist Salary in Other Virginia Cities

Arlington, VA
$168,291
Pop. 238,643
Richmond, VA
$128,102
Pop. 226,610
Chesapeake, VA
$125,590
Pop. 249,422
Norfolk, VA
$123,078
Pop. 238,005

How to Become a Optometrist in Virginia Beach

Education

Most optometrist positions require a doctoral degree. Virginia Beach and the surrounding Virginia area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Eye ExaminationRefractionContact Lens FittingOcular DiseasePatient EducationDiagnostic Equipment

Job Outlook

Nationally, optometrist employment is projected to grow 9% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Virginia Beach may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Optometrist Jobs in Virginia Beach

Browse open optometrist positions in Virginia Beach, VA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Optometrist Salary in Virginia Beach

How much does a Optometrist make in Virginia Beach, VA? ▼
The median optometrist salary in Virginia Beach, Virginia is $130,614 per year, which is 4.0% above the national median of $125,590. Salaries range from $81,120 (10th percentile) to $199,680 (90th percentile).
How much does a Optometrist make per hour in Virginia Beach? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $130,614, a optometrist in Virginia Beach earns approximately $63 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Virginia Beach compare to the Virginia state average for optometrist pay? ▼
Virginia Beach's median optometrist salary of $130,614 is 1.9% below the Virginia state average of $133,125. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Virginia Beach, VA? ▼
Virginia Beach has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a optometrist salary of $130,614 in Virginia Beach has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a optometrist in Virginia Beach? ▼
Most optometrist positions in Virginia Beach require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Eye Examination, Refraction, Contact Lens Fitting, Ocular Disease. The job market is projected to grow 9% nationally over the next decade.