Optometrist Salary in Evans, GA: $130,217 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Evans, GA earns a median $130,217/year (≈ $62.60/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Evans's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.1), that paycheck buys what $139,868 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.0% below the Georgia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With an expanding scope of practice that includes glaucoma management and the prescription of oral medications, optometrists in Evans, GA, can anticipate a median annual salary of $130,217 by 2026. The salary range for this profession varies considerably, with entry-level positions starting at around $78,896 and reaching up to $182,333 for those with the most experience and expertise. The projected figures are based on 2025 BLS data and reflect regional cost adjustments. In Evans, the local job market is relatively small, with only seven optometrists currently employed in the area, creating a unique dynamic in the compensation landscape as these professionals navigate their options in both private practices and retail settings.
About the Evans Market
Salary estimated from Georgia average ($130,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,896 | $37.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $109,244 | $52.52 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $130,217 | $62.60 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $152,787 | $73.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $182,333 | $87.66 |
Median Salary Position
7.39% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Evans
In Evans, GA, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $103,437 (2026 est.). At $130,217, the local median is 7.39% below the national median of $140,612.
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At 40 hours/week in Evans: You'd be above the median
How Evans Optometrist Pay Compares
Evans median: $130,217/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Evans Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia Average | $134,244 | -3.00% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -7.39% less |
Optometrists in Evans, GA earn a median of $130,217 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.39% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 3.00% below the Georgia state average of $134,244.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Evans has a cost of living 6.90% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Evans, GA has a cost-of-living index of 93.1 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $130,217 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $139,868 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.41% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$106,729
2025 BLS Actual
$126,473
2026 Current Est.
$130,217
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Evans (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $106,729 | Actual |
| 2020 | $109,322 | Actual |
| 2021 | $115,110 | Actual |
| 2022 | $116,305 | Actual |
| 2023 | $122,111 | Actual |
| 2024 | $117,394 | Actual |
| 2025 | $126,473 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $130,217 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $134,071 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Evans metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $106,729 (2019) to $126,473 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $134,071 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,342 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Evans 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $78,896 – $109,244 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $109,244 – $130,217 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $130,217 – $152,787 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $152,787 – $182,333 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Evans
Examining the local market for optometrist pay in Evans reveals a unique combination of factors influencing compensation. Despite the median salary being lower than the national average, the cost of living index sits at 93.1, suggesting that take-home pay may stretch further compared to urban areas. Optometrists working in private practices and those in ophthalmology models tend to earn more due to practice ownership opportunities and shared surgical revenue deals. The disparity in earnings can also be attributed to additional qualifications, such as residency training, which may command higher salaries. To maximize earning potential in this market, professionals should consider aligning with practices that offer equity stakes, pursuing advanced certifications, and staying informed on local employment trends, as these strategies can significantly boost optometrist salaries in Evans, GA.
More salary data for Evans, GA:
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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $126,473 for optometristsin the Evans metropolitan area. A 2.96% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Evans 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