Optometrist Salary in Statesboro, GA: $133,165 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Statesboro, GA earns a median $133,165/year (≈ $64.02/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Statesboro's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.1), that paycheck buys what $143,034 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% below the Georgia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Statesboro, Georgia, the financial compensation for optometrists reflects the increasing responsibilities within the profession, particularly as optometrists take on roles in managing conditions like glaucoma and prescribing oral medications. With a median annual salary projected at $133,165 for 2026, the local optometrist salary in Statesboro positions itself slightly below the national average of $140,612. The salary range for optometrists in the area runs from $77,235 at the 10th percentile to $192,311 at the 90th percentile, providing a wide spectrum that can accommodate both new graduates and experienced professionals. This salary information is derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, which incorporates adjustments for regional cost factors, ultimately highlighting how local market conditions influence optometrist pay in Statesboro.
About the Statesboro Market
Salary estimated from Georgia average ($130,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,235 | $37.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $107,278 | $51.57 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $133,165 | $64.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $159,810 | $76.83 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $192,311 | $92.46 |
Median Salary Position
5.3% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Statesboro
In Statesboro, GA, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $115,076 (2026 est.). At $133,165, the local median is 5.3% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Statesboro: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Statesboro Optometrist Pay Compares
Statesboro median: $133,165/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Statesboro Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia Average | $134,239 | -0.80% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -5.30% less |
Optometrists in Statesboro, GA earn a median of $133,165 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.30% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 0.80% below the Georgia state average of $134,239.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Statesboro 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.
Statesboro, GA has a cost-of-living index of 93.1 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $133,165 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $143,034 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.41% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$109,146
2025 BLS Actual
$129,337
2026 Current Est.
$133,165
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Statesboro (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $109,146 | Actual |
| 2020 | $111,798 | Actual |
| 2021 | $117,717 | Actual |
| 2022 | $118,939 | Actual |
| 2023 | $124,876 | Actual |
| 2024 | $120,052 | Actual |
| 2025 | $129,337 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $133,165 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $137,107 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Statesboro metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $109,146 (2019) to $129,337 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $137,107 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,961 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Statesboro 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) | $77,235 – $107,278 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $107,278 – $133,165 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $133,165 – $159,810 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $159,810 – $192,311 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Statesboro
With only eight optometrists practicing in Statesboro, the job market is relatively small, which can limit competition but also affect earning potential. The cost-of-living index stands at 93.1, indicating that living expenses are below the national average, which may enhance disposable income for local optometrists. Those seeking higher wages should consider various employment settings. Private optometry practices or ophthalmology collaborations may offer greater salary potential due to shared revenue streams from surgical referrals. Conversely, retail chains may provide a more steady income with potentially less financial risk. To maximize pay, optometrists in the area should also pursue residency training, especially in ocular disease, as this can lead to enhanced job opportunities and bargaining power within both private and PE-owned practices that have emerged as dominant employers in the region.
More salary data for Statesboro, 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 $129,337 for optometristsin the Statesboro 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 Statesboro 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