Optometrist Salary in Sandy Springs, GA: $135,238 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Sandy Springs, GA earns a median $135,238/year (≈ $65.02/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Sandy Springs's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.1), that paycheck buys what $145,261 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.7% above the Georgia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, an optometrist salary in Sandy Springs, GA, averages $135,238, reflecting local market dynamics and a comprehensive scope of practice that includes glaucoma management, oral medications, and select laser procedures. The projected salary range for optometrists in this region spans from $78,438 at the 10th percentile to $199,147 at the 90th percentile, indicating significant variability based on factors such as practice setting, specialization, and experience. These figures are derived from BLS state-level data with adjustments for regional cost factors, averaging 2.96% annual growth rate over the next five years. This competitive salary framework illustrates a robust demand for optometrists in Sandy Springs, which may continue to enhance compensation opportunities as the profession expands through affiliation with healthcare facilities and specialty practices.
About the Sandy Springs Market
Salary estimated from Georgia average ($130,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,438 | $37.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $105,755 | $50.84 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $135,238 | $65.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $163,045 | $78.38 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $199,147 | $95.74 |
Median Salary Position
3.82% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Sandy Springs
In Sandy Springs, GA, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $120,709 (2026 est.). At $135,238, the local median is 3.82% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Sandy Springs: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Sandy Springs Optometrist Pay Compares
Sandy Springs median: $135,238/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Sandy Springs Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia Average | $134,298 | +0.70% more |
| National Average | $140,612 | -3.82% less |
Optometrists in Sandy Springs, GA earn a median of $135,238 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.82% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 0.70% above the Georgia state average of $134,298.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Sandy Springs 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.
Sandy Springs, GA has a cost-of-living index of 93.1 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $135,238 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $145,261 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.41% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$110,845
2025 BLS Actual
$131,350
2026 Current Est.
$135,238
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Sandy Springs (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $110,845 | Actual |
| 2020 | $113,538 | Actual |
| 2021 | $119,549 | Actual |
| 2022 | $120,790 | Actual |
| 2023 | $126,820 | Actual |
| 2024 | $124,631 | Actual |
| 2025 | $131,350 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $135,238 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $139,241 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Sandy Springs metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $110,845 (2019) to $131,350 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $139,241 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,396 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sandy Springs 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) | $78,438 – $105,755 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $105,755 – $135,238 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $135,238 – $163,045 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $163,045 – $199,147 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Sandy Springs
With only 18 optometrists currently employed in Sandy Springs, the local job market is relatively small but offers unique advantages. The cost-of-living index stands at 93.1, which indicates that the economic climate may afford optometrists better purchasing power compared to many regions with higher living costs. Among employers, private optometry practices typically compensate more generously than retail chains like LensCrafters and Pearle Vision, particularly those leveraging an OD/MD model that fosters collaboration and revenue sharing from surgical referrals. Variations in pay also arise from practice ownership, residency training, and the evolving structures of employment agreements post-acquisition by private equity firms. To maximize earnings in Sandy Springs, optometrists should focus on establishing a reputation for specialized care while considering opportunities to align with healthcare institutions that expand their service offerings.
More salary data for Sandy Springs, 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 $131,350 for optometristsin the Sandy Springs 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 Sandy Springs 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