Optometrist Salary in Georgia: $133,445 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Georgia's 39 metropolitan areas, the average median optometrist pay sits at $133,445/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 29-1041. Because Georgia sits at BEA RPP 93.1 (7% below the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $143,335 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Savannah ($159,330), Albany ($134,250), Athens ($134,249).
In Georgia, the projected average median salary for optometrists in 2026 is $133,445, which is approximately 5.1% lower than the national median of $140,612. The highest-paying city in the state is Savannah, with a projected salary of $164,046, while Griffin has the lowest at $124,877, representing a salary gap of $39,169. This difference can be attributed to factors such as local demand for eye care services, population density, and the availability of healthcare facilities in each area. Georgia's state licensing requirements and scope of practice laws, which include the ability to perform certain medical procedures, influence salary levels and job opportunities. The demand for optometrists is expected to grow at an annual rate of 2.96%, adding to job stability in the field. With a total of 1,000 optometrists employed across the state, key cities projected to see strong salaries include Albany at $138,224, Athens at $138,223, Alpharetta at $135,613, and South Fulton at $135,456. Overall, the job market for optometrists in Georgia appears steady, with ongoing demand driven by an aging population and a continued focus on vision care.
Georgia Optometrist Salary Range
Overall salary range in Georgia: $52,540 (lowest entry-level) to $230,919 (highest top earner)
Georgia vs National Average
Georgia optometrists earn 5.1% less than the national median ($-7,167/year difference).
Georgia Optometrist Salary Distribution (2026)
Optometrist salaries in Georgia range from $65,404 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $191,916 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $133,445. The Georgia median is $7,167 below the US national median of $140,612. The average hourly rate is $64.16/hr. Approximately 1,000 optometrists are employed across 39 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$107,122
2025 BLS Actual
$129,609
2026 Current Est.
$133,445
2019–2027 Growth
+28.3%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Georgia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $107,122 | Actual |
| 2020 | $110,997 | Actual |
| 2021 | $119,935 | Actual |
| 2022 | $125,170 | Actual |
| 2023 | $122,938 | Actual |
| 2024 | $128,737 | Actual |
| 2025 | $129,609 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $133,445 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $137,395 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Georgia metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 21.0% from $107,122 (2019) to $129,609 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $137,395 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,273 (28.26%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Georgia 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.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in Georgia
Lowest Paying Cities in Georgia
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Griffin | $124,877 |
| Columbus | $125,436 |
| Canton | $127,248 |
| Tucker | $127,550 |
| Peachtree City | $127,873 |
Best Value Cities for Optometrists in Georgia
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Georgia cities offer the most purchasing power for optometrists.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Savannah | $164,046 | 95.206 | $172,306 |
| Albany | $138,224 | 87.669 | $157,666 |
| Athens | $138,223 | 93.1 | $148,467 |
| Augusta | $134,250 | 91.903 | $146,078 |
| Alpharetta | $135,613 | 93.1 | $145,664 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Georgia
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $65,404 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $133,445 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $191,916 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Georgia metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 39 Cities in Georgia
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Savannah | $164,046 |
| 2 | Albany | $138,224 |
| 3 | Athens | $138,223 |
| 4 | Alpharetta | $135,613 |
| 5 | South Fulton | $135,456 |
| 6 | Sandy Springs | $135,238 |
| 7 | Augusta | $134,250 |
| 8 | Brookhaven | $134,241 |
| 9 | Lawrenceville | $133,311 |
| 10 | Statesboro | $133,165 |
| 11 | Woodstock | $133,009 |
| 12 | Warner Robins | $133,008 |
| 13 | Stockbridge | $132,811 |
| 14 | Atlanta | $132,643 |
| 15 | Pooler | $132,624 |
| 16 | Valdosta | $132,498 |
| 17 | Macon | $132,397 |
| 18 | Marietta | $131,806 |
| 19 | Peachtree Corners | $131,790 |
| 20 | Johns Creek | $131,221 |
| 21 | Hinesville | $130,477 |
| 22 | Evans | $130,217 |
| 23 | Douglasville | $130,092 |
| 24 | Dunwoody | $130,084 |
| 25 | Smyrna | $129,946 |
| 26 | Roswell | $129,635 |
| 27 | Dalton | $129,571 |
| 28 | McDonough | $129,394 |
| 29 | Newnan | $129,186 |
| 30 | Milton | $129,133 |
| 31 | Kennesaw | $128,165 |
| 32 | Gainesville | $127,988 |
| 33 | Rome | $127,988 |
| 34 | Cartersville | $127,875 |
| 35 | Peachtree City | $127,873 |
| 36 | Tucker | $127,550 |
| 37 | Canton | $127,248 |
| 38 | Columbus | $125,436 |
| 39 | Griffin | $124,877 |
More Georgia Salary Data
Compare Cities in Georgia
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make in Georgia in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for optometrists in Georgia?
How does Georgia optometrist pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level optometrist salary in Georgia?
How many optometrists are employed in Georgia?
Which Georgia city offers the best value for optometrists?
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
Statewide 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. A 2.96% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 optometrist compensation across Georgia. State averages are employment-weighted across 39 metro areas — larger metro areas with more optometristscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
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