How much does an optometrist make in Washington?
Median yearly pay for optometrists in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metro area. That is $74.37 an hour or $12,890 a month.
- Hourly
- $74.37
- Vs. national median
- +13%
- Rank among cities
- 40 of 183
- Jobs in the area
- 770
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th | $54,120 | $26.02 | |
| 25th | $98,490 | $47.35 | |
| Median | $154,700 | $74.37 | |
| 75th | $201,800 | $97.02 | |
| 90th | $224,000 | $107.71 |
Other cities in District of Columbia
Median yearly pay for optometrists.
| No other city in the state with data. |
Related jobs in Washington
Same field, median yearly pay.
| Radiologist | $443,000 |
| Anesthesiologist | $397,200 |
| Dermatologist | $330,000 |
| Cardiologist | $253,600 |
| Orthodontist | $248,100 |
| Psychiatrist | $247,000 |
| Emergency Medicine Physician | $239,200 |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist | $239,200 |
| Orthopedic Surgeon | $239,200 |
| Physician | $237,200 |
Frequently asked questions
How much does an optometrist make an hour in Washington?
The median hourly pay in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metro area is $74.37 ($154,700 a year).
Do optometrists make more in Washington than the national average?
Yes: $154,700 against $136,600 nationally, 13% more.
How does Washington compare with the rest of District of Columbia?
The median in District of Columbia is $134,800, so Washington pays 15% more.
Where does Washington rank for optometrist pay?
40 of 183 metro areas with data.
How much does an optometrist make starting out in Washington?
The lowest-paid 10% make $54,120 or less a year; the top 10% make $224,000 or more.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS): pay in May 2025, published by BLS in 2026. Hourly pay is the yearly figure divided by 2,080 hours.