Entry-Level Optometrist Salary in Franklin, TN: $85,110 (2026)
Quick Answer:New optometrists entering the Franklin, TN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $85,110 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1041, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Franklin's local price level (BEA RPP 91.8 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $92,712 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($146,742) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The starting optometrist salary in Franklin, TN for new graduates in 2026 is projected to be around $85,110. This figure falls significantly below the city’s median salary of $146,742, illustrating the gap that early-career optometrists face as they begin their professional journeys. However, there is potential for growth, as entry-level practitioners can anticipate moving from the P10 starting salary to the P25 level of $119,133 within a few years. Given its competitive rates and favorable job market, Franklin appears to be a promising area for new graduates to establish their careers, particularly with a growth trajectory supporting an annual increase of 2.96% over the next five years.
About the Franklin Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Franklin
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 Franklin
Entry-level optometrists in Franklin, TN typically start between $85,110 and $119,133 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $132,140 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $146,742 — 4.36% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average optometry program cost in Tennessee of $145,000 represents just 170.37% of the starting optometrist pay ($85,110/year) in Franklin. 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 Franklin
- 1Research the Franklin market: entry-level optometrist pay ranges from $85,110 to $119,133, 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 Franklin, 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 Franklin for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Franklin'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 Franklin is $132,140 ( 155.26%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $85,110, experienced hygienists can earn up to $217,250.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$65,362
2025 BLS Actual
$82,663
2026 Current Est.
$85,110
2019–2027 Growth
+34.1%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Franklin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $65,362 | Actual |
| 2020 | $67,073 | Actual |
| 2021 | $68,001 | Actual |
| 2022 | $68,619 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,744 | Actual |
| 2024 | $66,658 | Actual |
| 2025 | $82,663 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $85,110 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $87,629 | Projected |
Entry-level optometrist compensation (10th percentile) in Franklin, TN grew 26.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $65,362 in 2019 to $82,663 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $87,629. New graduates entering the Franklin job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Franklin 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 Franklin
In Franklin, several employers actively seek new grad optometrists, with retail chains like LensCrafters and Visionworks often hiring graduates directly from optometry schools. These organizations typically offer structured ramp-up programs designed to support new hires through their early career phases. Conversely, residency-trained optometrists may find positions in more specialized environments such as OD/MD practices or within the VA system, which frequently pipeline graduates through residency programs. For entry-level positions, credentials can significantly influence starting pay in TN. Graduates with an OD degree from an ACOE-accredited institution and completion of the NBEO Parts I-III, along with obtaining state licensure, will find their earning potential enhanced. The optometry field is transforming, with its scope expanding into managing glaucoma and prescribing oral medications in many states. Those new to the profession should remain adaptable, focusing on building relevant skills and networking as retail chain roles diminish amidst acquisitions. New hires can set realistic expectations of progressive salary increases in their first few years as they gain experience and further credentialing.
More salary data for Franklin, 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 Franklin. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Franklin 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