Entry-Level Optometrist Salary in Collierville, TN: $77,255 (2026)
Quick Answer:New optometrists entering the Collierville, TN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $77,255 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1041, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Collierville's local price level (BEA RPP 91.8 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $84,156 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($133,198) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates stepping into optometry in Collierville, TN, can expect a starting salary on the lower end of the scale at around $77,255. Although this entry-level pay is significantly below the city’s median optometrist salary of $133,198, it reflects realistic expectations for recent graduates just beginning their careers. Over the first few years, early-career optometrists can anticipate salary progression that typically rises closer to $104,046 after gaining some experience. With a growth trajectory of approximately 2.96% forecast for the industry, Collierville presents a viable market for new graduates. The limited number of optometrists in the area indicates that job opportunities may be favorable for those entering the profession.
About the Collierville Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Collierville
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 Collierville
Entry-level optometrists in Collierville, TN typically start between $77,255 and $104,046 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $113,465 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $133,198 — 5.27% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average optometry program cost in Tennessee of $145,000 represents just 187.69% of the starting optometrist pay ($77,255/year) in Collierville. 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 Collierville
- 1Research the Collierville market: entry-level optometrist pay ranges from $77,255 to $104,046, 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 TN often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Collierville, 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 Collierville for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Collierville'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 Collierville is $113,465 ( 146.87%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $77,255, experienced hygienists can earn up to $190,720.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$59,330
2025 BLS Actual
$75,034
2026 Current Est.
$77,255
2019–2027 Growth
+34.1%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Collierville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,330 | Actual |
| 2020 | $60,883 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,725 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,286 | Actual |
| 2023 | $65,122 | Actual |
| 2024 | $68,305 | Actual |
| 2025 | $75,034 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77,255 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $79,542 | Projected |
Entry-level optometrist compensation (10th percentile) in Collierville, TN grew 26.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $59,330 in 2019 to $75,034 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $79,542. New graduates entering the Collierville job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Collierville 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 Collierville
Various employers in Collierville are actively seeking to hire new graduates and offer structured training programs for entry-level optometrists. Retail chains like LensCrafters and MyEyeDr are known for recruiting new ODs with training infrastructures to support their development. In contrast, OD/MD practices may prefer candidates with residency training for more specialized roles. Credentials such as an OD degree accredited by ACOE, alongside passing NBEO Parts I-III and obtaining a state license, are essential for opting into the field. For recent graduates, focusing on acquiring relevant certifications like glaucoma management or oral pharmaceutical agent training can also enhance starting pay in Tennessee. Career strategies in the first few years should include seeking out mentorship and networking opportunities, especially as retail employment opts for more private equity acquisitions. Real growth in salary from an entry-level position will depend on gaining practical experience and possibly pursuing additional education or certifications, notably in a shifting market emphasizing expanded scopes of practice.
More salary data for Collierville, TN:
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 Collierville. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Collierville 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