Columbia vs Knoxville: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Columbia, TN and Knoxville, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbia, TN | Knoxville, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $129,518▲ | $128,793 |
| Hourly Rate | $62.27▲ | $61.92 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,121▲ | $49,246 |
| 25th Percentile | $101,511▲ | $80,093 |
| 75th Percentile | $157,747 | $166,538▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $190,198▲ | $169,812 |
| Total Employed | 10 | 80▲ |
Verdict
Columbia, TN offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Knoxville.
The salary gap between Columbia and Knoxville is $725 (0.56%). Columbia's median is -7.89% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbia spans $115,077,Knoxville spans $120,566. Knoxville has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced optometrists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Columbia ($141,087 effective) pays 1.41% more than Knoxville ($139,132 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($129,518/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($190,198)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $141,087)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Knoxville if…
- ✓Larger job market (80 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Columbia grew 9.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -0.1% growth in Knoxville over the same period.
Columbia, TN
$114,512 (2024) → $125,794 (2025)
Knoxville, TN
$125,270 (2019) → $125,090 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbia, TN
Knoxville, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Columbia or Knoxville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbia and Knoxville?
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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.
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