Entry-Level Optometrist Salary in Biloxi, MS: $68,595 (2026)
Quick Answer:New optometrists entering the Biloxi, MS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $68,595 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1041, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Biloxi's local price level (BEA RPP 85.7 — 14% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $80,041 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($118,268) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the optometry field in Biloxi, Mississippi, can expect an entry-level optometrist salary around $68,595 in 2026. While this figure represents only a portion of the median annual salary for optometrists in the area, which is projected at $118,268, it reflects the initial pay that many new ODs will see as they begin their careers. Early-career optometrists can realistically anticipate a progressive salary increase, moving toward the 25th percentile at $93,720 within the first few years of practice. With an annual growth rate of 2.96%, the local market appears reasonably favorable for new graduates, providing ample opportunities for advancement in the coming years.
About the Biloxi Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($112,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Biloxi
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 Biloxi
Entry-level optometrists in Biloxi, MS typically start between $68,595 and $93,720 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $99,724 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $118,268 — 15.89% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average optometry program cost in Mississippi of $115,000 represents just 167.65% of the starting optometrist pay ($68,595/year) in Biloxi. 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 Biloxi
- 1Research the Biloxi market: entry-level optometrist pay ranges from $68,595 to $93,720, 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 MS often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Biloxi, 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 Biloxi for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Biloxi'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 Biloxi is $99,724 ( 145.38%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $68,595, experienced hygienists can earn up to $168,319.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$52,679
2025 BLS Actual
$66,623
2026 Current Est.
$68,595
2019–2027 Growth
+34.1%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Biloxi (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,679 | Actual |
| 2020 | $54,058 | Actual |
| 2021 | $54,806 | Actual |
| 2022 | $55,304 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,822 | Actual |
| 2024 | $54,638 | Actual |
| 2025 | $66,623 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68,595 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70,625 | Projected |
Entry-level optometrist compensation (10th percentile) in Biloxi, MS grew 26.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $52,679 in 2019 to $66,623 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $70,625. New graduates entering the Biloxi job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Biloxi 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 Biloxi
In Biloxi, employers that typically hire entry-level optometrists include large retail chains like LensCrafters and Visionworks, which often offer structured onboarding programs for new grads. Additionally, local OD/MD practices may be interested in residency-trained optometrists, particularly those who have completed specialties in ocular disease or pediatrics. For aspiring optometrists, completing an OD degree from an ACOE-accredited institution is essential, along with obtaining licenses through NBEO Parts I-III. Further credentials, such as glaucoma certification and oral pharmaceutical agent certification, can enhance new grad optometrist pay in MS. As the scope of practice continues to expand, first-job strategies should focus on gaining experience in managing glaucoma and providing oral medications, skill sets that are increasingly valuable in today's job market. Realistic salary growth expectations place early-career optometrists on a path toward a more competitive salary as they build their experience and clientele.
More salary data for Biloxi, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Biloxi. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Biloxi is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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