Entry-Level Optometrist Salary in Augusta, GA: $57,864 (2026)
Quick Answer:New optometrists entering the Augusta, GA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $57,864 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1041, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Augusta's local price level (BEA RPP 91.9 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $62,962 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($134,250) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
Beginning your career as an optometrist in Augusta, Georgia, offers a starting salary of around $57,864. This amount stands in stark contrast to the median annual salary of $134,250 for optometrists in the city, indicating a significant gap that new graduates should consider when job hunting. Within the first few years of practice, it's realistic for early-career optometrists to progress towards the 25th percentile salary of $101,529, as they gain experience and build their patient base. With a projected annual growth rate of 2.96%, Augusta remains an appealing market for new graduates, who can expect to see noticeable salary increments as they develop their clinical skills and expertise in various optometric practices.
Career Earnings Timeline in Augusta
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Augusta
Entry-level optometrists in Augusta, GA typically start between $57,864 and $101,529 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $117,158 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $134,250 — 4.52% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average optometry program cost in Georgia of $150,000 represents just 259.23% of the starting optometrist pay ($57,864/year) in Augusta. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on ACOE-accredited Doctor of Optometry programs. Public school OD programs offer lower in-state tuition, while private institutions carry higher out-of-pocket costs. Totals reflect tuition and fees for the 4-year professional program; clinical rotation travel and living costs add to the total cost of attendance.
OD Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Augusta
- 1Research the Augusta market: entry-level optometrist pay ranges from $57,864 to $101,529, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the optometry field — employers in GA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Augusta, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Augusta for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Augusta's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Optometrist Compensation Range
The optometrist wage spread in Augusta is $117,158 ( 202.47%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $57,864, experienced hygienists can earn up to $175,022.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$70,590
2025 BLS Actual
$56,200
2026 Current Est.
$57,864
2019–2027 Growth
+-15.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Augusta (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $70,590 | Actual |
| 2020 | $71,220 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,290 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,670 | Actual |
| 2023 | $52,200 | Actual |
| 2024 | $54,230 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,200 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,864 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59,576 | Projected |
Entry-level optometrist compensation (10th percentile) in Augusta, GA grew -20.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $70,590 in 2019 to $56,200 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $59,576. New graduates entering the Augusta job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Augusta metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.96% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your optometry Career in Augusta
New optometrists in Augusta often find employment opportunities at retail chains like LensCrafters and Visionworks, which are known for hiring recent graduates and providing structured onboarding programs. In contrast, residency-trained OD candidates have a competitive edge when applying to more specialized practices or the VA system, where tighter patient care protocols might require advanced training. Credentials such as completing an OD degree from an ACOE-accredited school, passing the NBEO Parts I-III, and obtaining state licensure are essential for understanding starting optometrist salary in Augusta and positioning oneself for higher pay. Moreover, as the scope of optometry practice expands to include glaucoma management and oral medications, new grads should seek to enhance their qualifications through continuing education and consider pursuing residencies to further increase their pay potential in Georgia's evolving job market. Salary growth expectations during the initial years can vary widely; however, with the right credentials and commitment to professional development, new grads can achieve substantial increases as they navigate the early stages of their careers.
More salary data for Augusta, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new optometry graduates. A 2.96% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Augusta. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.96%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for optometrists (SOC 29-1041).
Compiled and verified by Aisha Patel, OD, a licensed optometrist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov