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METRO DATA PROFILE · 2024

Optometrists salary in Richmond, Virginia

Metro-level median, range, and employment from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics for the Richmond metropolitan area. Skills and task data from O*NET. State and national figures shown for context.

Adrian Serafin, founder and editor of RateOrchardBy Adrian SerafinFounderUpdated April 30, 2026
Median annual$132,120
Mean annual$169,710
Range (10th to 90th)$90,190 to $208,510
Richmond, Virginia employment180
State vs national+0.2% vs national

Salary distribution

Where Richmond optometrists fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)

10TH$90,19025TH$112,920MEDIAN$132,12075TH$161,43090TH$208,510

The middle 50% of workers earn between $112,920 and $161,430, with a median of $132,120.

Typical entry

  • Education

    Doctoral or professional degree

  • Experience

    None

  • On-the-job training

    None

Top skills (O*NET)

  • Medicine and Dentistry

    Knowledge

    4.8 / 5

  • Biology

    Knowledge

    4.5 / 5

  • Customer and Personal Service

    Knowledge

    4.4 / 5

  • Reading Comprehension

    Basic skill

    4.1 / 5

  • Active Listening

    Basic skill

    4.1 / 5

  • Critical Thinking

    Cross-functional

    4.1 / 5

  • Oral Expression

    Ability

    4.1 / 5

  • Problem Sensitivity

    Ability

    4.1 / 5

Common tasks (O*NET)

  1. 01

    Examine eyes, using observation, instruments, and pharmaceutical agents, to determine visual acuity and perception, focus, and coordination and to diagnose diseases and other abnormalities, such as glaucoma or color blindness.

  2. 02

    Analyze test results and develop a treatment plan.

  3. 03

    Prescribe, supply, fit and adjust eyeglasses, contact lenses, and other vision aids.

  4. 04

    Prescribe medications to treat eye diseases if state laws permit.

  5. 05

    Educate and counsel patients on contact lens care, visual hygiene, lighting arrangements, and safety factors.

  6. 06

    Remove foreign bodies from the eye.

  7. 07

    Provide patients undergoing eye surgeries, such as cataract and laser vision correction, with pre- and post-operative care.

  8. 08

    Consult with and refer patients to ophthalmologist or other health care practitioner if additional medical treatment is determined necessary.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Optometrists in Richmond, Virginia?
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Optometrists in the Richmond metropolitan area is $132,120.
How does Richmond compare to the national median for Optometrists?
The Richmond metro median is +0.2% versus the BLS national figure of $131,844.
What is the salary range for Optometrists in Richmond?
BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $90,190 and the 90th-percentile at $208,510 for the Richmond metro area.
What education is required for Optometrists?
BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Doctoral or professional degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Disclaimer

Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the Richmond CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.