Optometrist Salary in Clinton, MS: $110,795 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Clinton, MS earns a median $110,795/year (≈ $53.27/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Clinton's price level (14% below national, BEA RPP 85.7), that paycheck buys what $129,282 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 8.1% below the Mississippi state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Compensation for optometrists in Clinton, Mississippi, reflects the local market dynamics and the influence of the OD/MD model, where collaborative care with ophthalmologists can significantly drive revenue. In 2026, the projected median annual salary sits at $110,795, with a range of earnings from $65,635 at the lower end to $152,407 at the upper echelon. Such numbers, derived from BLS state-level data adjusted for regional price variations, demonstrate a distinct gap when compared to the national average of $140,612. Although the growth rate for this role in Clinton is projected at 2.96% annually, local optometrists face a market characterized by a small number of employed professionals, which can influence job competition and overall salary growth.
About the Clinton Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($112,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,635 | $31.56 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $91,426 | $43.95 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $110,795 | $53.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $129,252 | $62.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $152,407 | $73.28 |
Median Salary Position
21.21% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Clinton
In Clinton, MS, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $86,772 (2026 est.). At $110,795, the local median is 21.21% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Clinton: You'd be above the median
How Clinton Optometrist Pay Compares
Clinton median: $110,795/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Clinton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Average | $120,561 | -8.10% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -21.21% less |
Optometrists in Clinton, MS earn a median of $110,795 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.21% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 8.10% below the Mississippi state average of $120,561.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Clinton has a cost of living 14.30% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Clinton, MS has a cost-of-living index of 85.7 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $110,795 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $129,282 in an average-cost city — an effective 16.69% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$90,811
2025 BLS Actual
$107,610
2026 Current Est.
$110,795
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Clinton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $90,811 | Actual |
| 2020 | $93,017 | Actual |
| 2021 | $97,942 | Actual |
| 2022 | $98,958 | Actual |
| 2023 | $103,899 | Actual |
| 2024 | $88,251 | Actual |
| 2025 | $107,610 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $110,795 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $114,075 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Clinton metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $90,811 (2019) to $107,610 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $114,075 by 2027 — a total increase of $23,264 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Clinton 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) | $65,635 – $91,426 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $91,426 – $110,795 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $110,795 – $129,252 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $129,252 – $152,407 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Clinton
In analyzing the local employment climate, Clinton currently sees five optometrists practicing within the area. The cost of living index, measured at 85.7, suggests a more affordable environment, giving practitioners better purchasing power despite the lower average salaries compared to the national norm. Private optometry practices and ophthalmology centers typically offer the most lucrative positions, particularly those utilizing the OD/MD model which capitalizes on surgical co-management revenue. The payoff gap in salaries often stems from variables such as practice ownership, the nature of employment (private versus chain), and advanced residency training that prepares optometrists for specialized roles. New graduates and seasoned practitioners aiming to maximize their earnings should consider engaging with ophthalmologists for collaborative practice opportunities and seek positions that allow for the fullest scope of practice, especially as changes in regulations continue to expand optometry's capabilities in patient care.
More salary data for Clinton, MS:
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 $107,610 for optometristsin the Clinton 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 Clinton 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