Optometrist Salary

Biloxi vs Jackson: Optometrist Salary (2026)

Compare optometrist salaries between Biloxi, MS and Jackson, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Biloxi, MS
$118,268
$56.86/hr
Jackson, MS
$126,404
$60.78/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBiloxi, MSJackson, MS
Median Salary$118,268$126,404
Hourly Rate$56.86$60.78
Entry Level (P10)$68,595$72,154
25th Percentile$93,720$99,078
75th Percentile$140,423$139,727
Top Earner (P90)$168,319$208,782
Total Employed860
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Biloxi ($118,268) and Jackson ($126,404) optometrist salaries.BiloxiJacksonMedian Salary$118,268$126,404Entry Level (P10)$68,595$72,154Top Earner (P90)$168,319$208,782US Median $140,612

Verdict

Jackson, MS offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Biloxi.

The salary gap between Biloxi and Jackson is $8,136 (6.88%). Jackson's median is -10.10% compared to the US national median of $140,612.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Biloxi spans $99,724,Jackson spans $136,628. Jackson has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced optometrists.

Biloxi
P10 (Entry)$68,595
P25$93,720
Median$118,268
P75$140,423
P90 (Top)$168,319
Jackson
P10 (Entry)$72,154
P25$99,078
Median$126,404
P75$139,727
P90 (Top)$208,782

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Jackson ($141,950 effective) pays 2.86% more than Biloxi ($138,002 effective).

Biloxi
Nominal: $118,268
CoL Index: 85.7
Adjusted: $138,002
Jackson
Nominal: $126,404
CoL Index: 89.048
Adjusted: $141,950

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Biloxi if…

  • You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle

Choose Jackson if…

  • Higher median salary ($126,404/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($208,782)
  • Larger job market (60 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $141,950)
  • You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Biloxi grew 21.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 9.6% growth in Jackson over the same period.

Biloxi, MS

+21.9%

$94,203 (2024) → $114,868 (2025)

Jackson, MS

+9.6%

$112,030 (2019) → $122,770 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays optometrists more: Biloxi or Jackson?

Jackson has a higher median optometrist salary at $126,404/year, compared to Biloxi at $118,268/year — a difference of $8,136 (6.88%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Biloxi and Jackson?

Biloxi optometrists earn $56.86/hr while Jackson hygienists earn $60.78/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Biloxi to Jackson as a optometrist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Biloxi and Jackson. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Biloxi = $138,002, Jackson = $141,950), job availability (8 vs 60 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level optometrists earn in Biloxi vs Jackson?

Entry-level (10th percentile) optometrists earn $68,595 in Biloxi and $72,154 in Jackson. The Jackson area offers higher starting salaries.
AP

Written by Aisha Patel, OD

Career Analyst

Aisha Patel has 10 years of experience in optometry. She specializes in pediatric vision care. Aisha works in a private practice setting.

Clinically reviewed by Rajiv Kumar, ODData verified by Sofia Martinez, OD

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.96% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS , released .

Compiled and verified by Aisha Patel, OD, a licensed optometrist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov