Entry-Level Optometrist Salary in Jackson, MS: $72,154 (2026)
Quick Answer:New optometrists entering the Jackson, MS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $72,154 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1041, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Jackson's local price level (BEA RPP 89.0 — 11% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $81,028 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($126,404) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In Jackson, Mississippi, the starting optometrist salary for new graduates is projected to be around $72,154 in 2026. This figure reflects a significant gap from the median annual salary of $126,404 for optometrists in the city, highlighting a typical entry-level pay scenario. Graduates can expect a reasonable growth trajectory in their early careers, beginning from this entry-level stage and advancing to approximately $99,078 at the 25th percentile within three to five years. Given the projected annual growth rate of 2.96%, Jackson appears to be a promising market for new grad optometrists, especially when contrasted with national averages, which reveal salaries that are about 10.10% higher than those in this city.
Career Earnings Timeline in Jackson
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 Jackson
Entry-level optometrists in Jackson, MS typically start between $72,154 and $99,078 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $136,628 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $126,404 — 10.1% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average optometry program cost in Mississippi of $115,000 represents just 159.38% of the starting optometrist pay ($72,154/year) in Jackson. 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 Jackson
- 1Research the Jackson market: entry-level optometrist pay ranges from $72,154 to $99,078, 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 Jackson, 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 Jackson for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Jackson'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 Jackson is $136,628 ( 189.36%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $72,154, experienced hygienists can earn up to $208,782.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$20,060
2025 BLS Actual
$70,080
2026 Current Est.
$72,154
2019–2027 Growth
+270.3%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Jackson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20,060 | Actual |
| 2020 | $75,700 | Actual |
| 2021 | $74,390 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,060 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,970 | Actual |
| 2024 | $64,960 | Actual |
| 2025 | $70,080 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $72,154 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74,290 | Projected |
Entry-level optometrist compensation (10th percentile) in Jackson, MS grew 249.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $20,060 in 2019 to $70,080 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $74,290. New graduates entering the Jackson job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Jackson 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 Jackson
When considering employment opportunities, various employers in Jackson primarily hire recent graduates. Retail chains such as LensCrafters, Visionworks, and MyEyeDr are notable for providing structured ramp-up experiences for new optometrists, while OD/MD practices often prefer residency-trained candidates. Those graduating from ACOE-accredited optometry schools with strong credentials—such as completion of NBEO Parts I-III and licensure—are strategically positioned for a more lucrative starting pay in Mississippi. An optional one-year residency can further enhance prospects, especially in specialized areas such as ocular disease and glaucoma management. Given the evolving scope of practice that allows for the management of glaucoma and the use of oral medications in 49 states, new optometrists should actively seek positions that allow them to utilize these advanced skills. Over the first few years, realistic salary growth in this market aligns with the typical increases seen in the industry, suggesting positive long-term career potential.
More salary data for Jackson, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for optometrists in Jackson in 2026?
How fast do optometrist salaries grow in Jackson?
Is optometry school worth it in Jackson?
What do new optometrists make right out of school in Jackson?
How do I become a optometrist in Mississippi?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Mississippi
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 Jackson. 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