Optometrist Salary in Valdosta, GA: $132,498 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Valdosta, GA earns a median $132,498/year (≈ $63.70/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Valdosta's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.1), that paycheck buys what $142,318 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.3% below the Georgia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Valdosta, Georgia, the projected optometrist salary in 2026 is $132,498, indicating a competitive compensation structure, particularly in light of the revenue opportunities present in surgical co-management with ophthalmologists. The salary range extends from $77,768 at the 10th percentile to $198,537 at the 90th percentile, reflecting diverse employment types and practice settings within the region. These salary figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and incorporate regional price adjustments. While the compensation level in Valdosta is slightly below the national median of $140,612, it is important to consider the strong local job market where optometrists can thrive alongside growth opportunities, particularly for those who engage in expanded scopes of practice.
About the Valdosta Market
Salary estimated from Georgia average ($130,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,768 | $37.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $108,993 | $52.40 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $132,498 | $63.70 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $162,620 | $78.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $198,537 | $95.45 |
Median Salary Position
5.77% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Valdosta
In Valdosta, GA, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $120,769 (2026 est.). At $132,498, the local median is 5.77% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Valdosta: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Valdosta Optometrist Pay Compares
Valdosta median: $132,498/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Valdosta Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia Average | $134,243 | -1.30% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -5.77% less |
Optometrists in Valdosta, GA earn a median of $132,498 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.77% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 1.30% below the Georgia state average of $134,243.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Valdosta 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.
Valdosta, GA has a cost-of-living index of 93.1 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $132,498 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $142,318 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.41% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$108,599
2025 BLS Actual
$128,689
2026 Current Est.
$132,498
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Valdosta (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $108,599 | Actual |
| 2020 | $111,238 | Actual |
| 2021 | $117,127 | Actual |
| 2022 | $118,343 | Actual |
| 2023 | $124,251 | Actual |
| 2024 | $119,451 | Actual |
| 2025 | $128,689 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $132,498 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $136,420 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Valdosta metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $108,599 (2019) to $128,689 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $136,420 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,821 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Valdosta 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) | $77,768 – $108,993 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $108,993 – $132,498 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $132,498 – $162,620 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $162,620 – $198,537 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Valdosta
Currently, Valdosta has about 10 optometrists actively employed, suggesting a stable local job market for those considering optometry. The cost-of-living index in the area is set at 93.1, indicating that while salaries may be lower than the national average, the purchasing power for an optometrist in this city is relatively favorable. Key employers, including both private and group optometry practices along with retail chains like Walmart Vision, contribute to the varying pay scales. The disparity in income often stems from factors such as practice ownership, residency training, and whether the practice is linked to a larger healthcare network that provides surgical revenue opportunities. To maximize pay, optometrists should consider aligning with specialized practices or seeking positions that offer co-management arrangements, thus tapping into lucrative additional revenue streams not typically available in retail settings.
More salary data for Valdosta, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can optometrists make $100K in Valdosta?
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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 $128,689 for optometristsin the Valdosta 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 Valdosta 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