HealthcareOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level Optometrist Salary in Washington DC
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$136,707/yr
Typical range: $138,155 – $162,802
P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Optometrist salary by experience level in Washington DC
Optometrist Salary Progression in Washington DC
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EntryThis page | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $136,707 | $11,392 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $167,955 | $13,996 | +23% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $186,182 | $15,515 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $206,233 | $17,186 | +51% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $249,979 | $20,832 | +83% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $287,476 | $23,956 | +110% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $296,850 | $24,738 | +117% |
Current Salary
$136,707
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $66/hr
Next Level Target
$167,955
Junior · 2
+$31Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
37/100
Below Average
+4% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level Optometrist salary in Washington DC, DC?
Entry Level Optometrists in Washington DC, DC earn approximately $137K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a entry level Optometrist make per hour in Washington DC, DC?
Based on $137K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $66/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior Optometrist in Washington DC, DC?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Optometrist in Washington DC, DC earns $234K–$276K/yr.