Optometrist Hourly Pay in Tullahoma, TN: $59.04 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Tullahoma, TN runs $59.04 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $122,793 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Tullahoma's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $64.31 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $73,679 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Optometrists in Tullahoma, TN, receive a median hourly pay of $59.04, which is notably lower than the national median of $67.60. For those considering part-time work, such as a 3-day workweek, this translates to a comfortable yet modest earning potential while still providing flexibility in scheduling. The hourly rates range from $35.46 at the lower end for entry-level positions to $81.74 for seasoned professionals, making it essential for optometrists to understand their worth in various settings. Common workplaces include private optometry practices, retail optical chain stores, and VA outpatient clinics, where hourly rates are derived from competitive annual salary estimates.
About the Tullahoma Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35.46 | $283.68 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47.73 | $381.86 |
| Median (P50) | $59.04 | $472.30 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $69.20 | $553.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $81.74 | $653.92 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tullahoma
Based on $59.04/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $59.04/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tullahoma, TN can expect to earn approximately $122,798 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $70,845. With a cost-of-living index of 91.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Tullahoma.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tullahoma
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,361.49 | $10,233 | $122,798 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,416.89 | $6,140 | $73,679 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $944.60 | $4,093 | $49,119 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Tullahoma) | $59.04 |
| Dentist, General (National Avg) | $79.54 |
| Pharmacist (National Avg) | $66.51 |
| Opticians, Dispensing (National Avg) | $21.11 |
| Physician Assistant (National Avg) | $64.13 |
Optometrists in Tullahoma, TN earn a median of $122,793 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.67% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 7.60% below the Tennessee state average of $132,893.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $59.04/hr = $73,679/year (purchasing power: $80,260).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $122,798/year (purchasing power: $133,766).
CoL index: 91.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$48.39/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$57.34/hr
2026 Current Est.
$59.04/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Tullahoma (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48.39/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $49.56/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $52.19/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $52.73/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $55.36/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $52.20/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $57.34/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59.04/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60.78/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Tullahoma grew 18.5% from $48.39/hr (2019) to $57.34/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $60.78/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem optometrists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tullahoma 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.
Working as an Hourly Optometrist in Tullahoma
Focusing on part-time employment in Tullahoma allows optometrists to enjoy a different financial perspective. A professional working three days a week for 24 hours would earn approximately $73,539 annually compared to full-time counterparts. For per-diem or locum optometrists, the earning potential varies significantly, with daily rates between $500 and $1,200 based on their practice settings. Private optometry practices might offer lower hourly wages but come with benefits, while retail optical chains often provide more competitive rates without benefits. Optometrists negotiating for hourly pay should consider the trade-offs between higher rates and benefits that contribute to long-term financial stability. Understanding the price range for practices, including those associated with different insurance plans and healthcare systems, can empower professionals to seek opportunities that align with their financial goals and lifestyle preferences.
More salary data for Tullahoma, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Tullahoma in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Tullahoma?
Are optometrists in Tullahoma paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Tullahoma?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Tullahoma?
Related Pages
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.96% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for optometrists in Tullahoma. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Tullahoma 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