verified BLS-Verified Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) May 2025 release

Optometrist Salary in District of Columbia

Median Annual in District of Columbia
$134,840/yr
Median Hourly Wage
$64.83/hr
▼ 1% below U.S. median

Salary Distribution in District of Columbia

groups Employed in DC
50
public U.S. Median
$136,570
savings Real pay (cost-adjusted)
$122,692 #43 of 51

Optometrist pay in District of Columbia, explained

Optometrists in District of Columbia earn a median of $134,840 per year ($64.83 per hour), which is 1% below the national median of $136,570. Entry-level workers earn around $102,570, while the most experienced optometrists reach about $207,570. Pay varies by employer, setting, and metro area within District of Columbia.

Is $134,840 good pay in District of Columbia?

Adjusted for District of Columbia's cost of living (which runs 110% of the U.S. average), that $134,840 is worth about $122,692 in national buying power — ranking District of Columbia #43 for real pay (vs #28 on the sticker number).

See the full Optometrist Real Pay Index arrow_forward

Optometrist pay by experience in District of Columbia

Entry level (10th pct)
$102,570
$49.31/hr
Median
Mid-career (50th pct)
$134,840
$64.83/hr
Experienced (90th pct)
$207,570
$99.79/hr

Optometrist pay in neighboring states

StateMedian / yrReal payvs DC
District of Columbia (here) $134,840 $122,692
Maryland $165,840 $158,005 −$31,000
Virginia $131,570 $130,133 +$3,270

Optometrist in District of Columbia: FAQ

How much do optometrists make in District of Columbia?

Optometrists in District of Columbia earn a median of $134,840 per year ($64.83 per hour), compared with $136,570 nationally.

Does District of Columbia pay optometrists well?

At $134,840, District of Columbia pays 1% below the national median for optometrists. An estimated 50 work in the state.

Optometrist salary in other states

All 51 states ranked arrow_forward

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