Entry-Level Optometrist Salary in Laurel, MS: $67,114 (2026)
Quick Answer:New optometrists entering the Laurel, MS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $67,114 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1041, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Laurel's local price level (BEA RPP 85.7 — 14% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $78,313 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($111,448) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the optometry field, the starting optometrist salary in Laurel, MS, is projected to be around $67,114 in 2026. While this figure is significantly lower than the city's median annual salary of $111,448, it reflects common realities many entry-level ODs face across the state. In the initial years of practice, many optometrists can expect to see a gradual increase in salary. With a growth trajectory leading from the starting pay through the 25th percentile at $92,760 and ultimately reaching the median within the first few years, newly licensed ODs have the chance to enhance their earning potential as experience and clientele build. For those considering their first role, Laurel presents a viable market for new graduates, especially given the combination of relatively low living costs and emerging opportunities.
About the Laurel Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($112,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Laurel
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 Laurel
Entry-level optometrists in Laurel, MS typically start between $67,114 and $92,760 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $87,129 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $111,448 — 20.74% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average optometry program cost in Mississippi of $115,000 represents just 171.35% of the starting optometrist pay ($67,114/year) in Laurel. 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 Laurel
- 1Research the Laurel market: entry-level optometrist pay ranges from $67,114 to $92,760, 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 Laurel, 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 Laurel for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Laurel'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 Laurel is $87,129 ( 129.82%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $67,114, experienced hygienists can earn up to $154,243.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$51,542
2025 BLS Actual
$65,185
2026 Current Est.
$67,114
2019–2027 Growth
+34.1%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Laurel (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51,542 | Actual |
| 2020 | $52,892 | Actual |
| 2021 | $53,623 | Actual |
| 2022 | $54,110 | Actual |
| 2023 | $56,574 | Actual |
| 2024 | $51,487 | Actual |
| 2025 | $65,185 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67,114 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69,101 | Projected |
Entry-level optometrist compensation (10th percentile) in Laurel, MS grew 26.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $51,542 in 2019 to $65,185 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $69,101. New graduates entering the Laurel job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Laurel 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 Laurel
In Laurel, several employers typically hire new grads, with retail chains like LensCrafters and Visionworks offering structured ramp-up programs that help ease the transition from school to practice. For those from residency programs, openings at OD and MD partnerships are attractive options, particularly for graduates specializing in ocular disease or pediatric care. The Veteran Affairs system also presents pathways for those completing residency training. New optometrists should pursue continuing education to boost their appeal in the job market—acquiring credentials such as a state optometry license and optional certifications in glaucoma management can enhance initial offers. Given the expanding scope of practice in Mississippi, including glaucoma management and oral medications, first-year optometrists can realistically anticipate salary increases as they gain experience and expand their skill set. However, it's crucial to strategize for the first few years in this evolving landscape, especially as retail employment continues to shift with acquisitions by firms like MyEyeDr, necessitating adaptability in career planning.
More salary data for Laurel, 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 Laurel. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Laurel 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