Entry-Level Optometrist Salary in Memphis, TN: $50,090 (2026)
Quick Answer:New optometrists entering the Memphis, TN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $50,090 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1041, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Memphis's local price level (BEA RPP 92.2 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $54,340 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($132,901) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For new optometrists entering the workforce in Memphis, Tennessee in 2026, starting salaries may begin around $50,090 at the low end of the pay scale. Compared to the overall median annual salary for optometrists in the city, which stands at $132,901, this initial compensation illustrates a significant gap for recent graduates as they acclimate to the field. It’s reasonable to expect that as early-career optometrists gain experience, their earnings can rise steadily. In the first few years, salaries could realistically increase from the lower range through to the 25th percentile, which is projected at $54,095. With the city’s cost of living index slightly below the national average, Memphis presents a favorable market for new graduates seeking their first roles while benefitting from a relatively low cost of living compared to many other U.S. cities.
Career Earnings Timeline in Memphis
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 Memphis
Entry-level optometrists in Memphis, TN typically start between $50,090 and $54,095 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $123,243 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $132,901 — 5.48% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average optometry program cost in Tennessee of $145,000 represents just 289.48% of the starting optometrist pay ($50,090/year) in Memphis. 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 Memphis
- 1Research the Memphis market: entry-level optometrist pay ranges from $50,090 to $54,095, 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 Memphis, 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 Memphis for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Memphis'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 Memphis is $123,243 ( 246.04%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $50,090, experienced hygienists can earn up to $173,333.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$39,830
2025 BLS Actual
$48,650
2026 Current Est.
$50,090
2019–2027 Growth
+29.5%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Memphis (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39,830 | Actual |
| 2020 | $66,170 | Actual |
| 2021 | $50,330 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,340 | Actual |
| 2023 | $62,590 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,000 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,650 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,090 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,573 | Projected |
Entry-level optometrist compensation (10th percentile) in Memphis, TN grew 22.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $39,830 in 2019 to $48,650 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $51,573. New graduates entering the Memphis job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Memphis 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 Memphis
In Memphis, a number of employers actively seek out new graduate optometrists, most notably retail chains like LensCrafters, Visionworks, and MyEyeDr., which typically hire recent graduates and offer a structured ramp into practice. While larger optometry and ophthalmology practices may prefer residency-trained optometrists, a focus on credentialing can make a substantial difference in early salary prospects. Obtaining your Doctor of Optometry degree from an ACOE-accredited institution, completing the NBEO Parts I-III, and acquiring a state optometry license are fundamental steps. Optional credentials, such as a one-year residency in specializations like ocular disease, can further boost starting pay. As the scope of practice for optometrists in Memphis continues to evolve—gaining the ability to prescribe oral medications and manage glaucoma—it’s critical to adopt a strategic career approach in the first three years. Realistically, optometrists can see gradual salary growth as they gain hands-on experience, with potential promotions or shifts to more lucrative roles within private practices or specialized care settings.
More salary data for Memphis, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for optometrists in Memphis in 2026?
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Is optometry school worth it in Memphis?
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Related Pages
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Nearby Cities in Tennessee
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 Memphis. 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