Healthcare Wheeling, WV Pop. 26,711

Optometrist Salary in Wheeling, West Virginia

The median optometrist salary in Wheeling, WV is $95,448 per year, which is 24% below the national median and 7.3% below the West Virginia state average.

City Median
$95,448
vs State Avg
$-7,536
vs National
$-30,142
Cost of Living
78%

Optometrist Pay in Wheeling: What to Expect (2026)

Wheeling offers a median optometrist salary of $95,448, which is $7,536 below the West Virginia state average of $102,984. Compared to the national median of $125,590, Wheeling pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Wheeling's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 78% of the national average. This means the $95,448 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $122,369 in an average-cost city. This makes Wheeling an attractive option for optometrists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for optometrists in Wheeling spans from $59,280 at the 10th percentile to $145,920 at the 90th percentile — a $86,640 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $62,320, while senior optometrists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $135,280. Wheeling is a smaller market (pop. 26,711), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Optometrist Salary in Wheeling by Experience

In Wheeling, an entry-level optometrist earns around $62,320, while experienced professionals earn up to $135,280 per year. The local cost of living index is 78% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$62,320
$-19,680 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$97,280
$-30,720 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$135,280
$-42,720 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Wheeling, WV

Percentile Wheeling
10th Percentile $59,280
25th Percentile $76,000
Median (50th) $95,448
75th Percentile $120,080
90th Percentile $145,920

Optometrist Salary in Other West Virginia Cities

Morgantown, WV
$110,519
Pop. 30,955
Charleston, WV
$108,007
Pop. 48,006
Huntington, WV
$100,472
Pop. 46,842
Parkersburg, WV
$97,960
Pop. 29,675

How to Become a Optometrist in Wheeling

Education

Most optometrist positions require a doctoral degree. Wheeling and the surrounding West 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 Wheeling may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Optometrist Jobs in Wheeling

Browse open optometrist positions in Wheeling, WV:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Optometrist Salary in Wheeling

How much does a Optometrist make in Wheeling, WV? ▼
The median optometrist salary in Wheeling, West Virginia is $95,448 per year, which is 24% below the national median of $125,590. Salaries range from $59,280 (10th percentile) to $145,920 (90th percentile).
How much does a Optometrist make per hour in Wheeling? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $95,448, a optometrist in Wheeling earns approximately $46 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Wheeling compare to the West Virginia state average for optometrist pay? ▼
Wheeling's median optometrist salary of $95,448 is 7.3% below the West Virginia state average of $102,984. The local cost of living index is 78% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Wheeling, WV? ▼
Wheeling has a cost of living index of 78% compared to the national average. This means a optometrist salary of $95,448 in Wheeling has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a optometrist in Wheeling? ▼
Most optometrist positions in Wheeling 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.