Optometrist Salary in McDonough, GA: $129,394 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in McDonough, GA earns a median $129,394/year (≈ $62.21/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in McDonough's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.1), that paycheck buys what $138,984 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.6% below the Georgia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, optometrists in McDonough, Georgia, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $129,394, which reflects a competitive position within the region. Salary figures range from $77,595 at the 10th percentile to $187,246 at the 90th percentile, illustrating the diverse earning potential based on factors such as experience and practice setting. These figures are informed by estimates derived from 2025 BLS state-level data along with adjustments for regional price differences. As optometrists increasingly participate in OD/MD surgical co-management models, their revenue opportunities expand, contributing positively to overall compensation. Against the national median of $140,612 for 2026, McDonough's optometrist pay exhibits a slightly lower earning capacity, indicating room for growth in this market.
About the McDonough Market
Salary estimated from Georgia average ($130,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,595 | $37.30 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $107,556 | $51.71 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $129,394 | $62.21 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $151,052 | $72.62 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $187,246 | $90.02 |
Median Salary Position
7.98% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in McDonough
In McDonough, GA, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $109,651 (2026 est.). At $129,394, the local median is 7.98% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in McDonough: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How McDonough Optometrist Pay Compares
McDonough median: $129,394/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | McDonough Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia Average | $134,226 | -3.60% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -7.98% less |
Optometrists in McDonough, GA earn a median of $129,394 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.98% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 3.60% below the Georgia state average of $134,226.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
McDonough 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.
McDonough, GA has a cost-of-living index of 93.1 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $129,394 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $138,984 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.41% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$106,055
2025 BLS Actual
$125,674
2026 Current Est.
$129,394
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in McDonough (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $106,055 | Actual |
| 2020 | $108,632 | Actual |
| 2021 | $114,383 | Actual |
| 2022 | $115,570 | Actual |
| 2023 | $121,340 | Actual |
| 2024 | $116,652 | Actual |
| 2025 | $125,674 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $129,394 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $133,224 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the McDonough metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $106,055 (2019) to $125,674 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $133,224 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,169 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the McDonough 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) | $77,595 – $107,556 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $107,556 – $129,394 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $129,394 – $151,052 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $151,052 – $187,246 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in McDonough
The job market in McDonough is modest, with only seven employed optometrists, suggesting a close-knit professional community. The area's cost of living index stands at 93.1, making it affordable compared to national averages, which could augment take-home pay and purchasing power for optometrists. Among local employers, traditional private optometry practices often offer the highest salaries, particularly those aligning with the OD/MD model, which allows for revenue sharing from surgical referrals. The pay disparities noted are influenced by a range of factors, including practice ownership equity and the demand for residency training in ocular disease. Optometrists seeking to maximize their pay in McDonough should consider opportunities for partnership in private practices, as well as work alongside ophthalmologists, which can lead to higher earnings through diversified services and patient care models within this evolving field.
More salary data for McDonough, 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 $125,674 for optometristsin the McDonough 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 McDonough 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