HealthcareOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Optometrist Salary in Washington DC
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$254,642/yr
Typical range: $238,645 – $281,220
P90 · 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $139,257 | $11,605 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $171,088 | $14,257 | +23% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $189,655 | $15,805 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $210,080 | $17,507 | +51% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $254,642 | $21,220 | +83% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $292,838 | $24,403 | +110% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $302,387 | $25,199 | +117% |
Current Salary
$254,642
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $122/hr
Next Level Target
$292,838
Principal · 14
+$38Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
37/100
Below Average
+4% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Optometrist salary in Washington DC, DC?
Staff / Lead Optometrists in Washington DC, DC earn approximately $255K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Optometrist make per hour in Washington DC, DC?
Based on $255K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $122/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Optometrist in Washington DC, DC?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Optometrist in Washington DC, DC earns $239K–$281K/yr.