Optometrist Salary in Meridian, MS: $114,238 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Meridian, MS earns a median $114,238/year (≈ $54.92/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Meridian's price level (14% below national, BEA RPP 85.7), that paycheck buys what $133,300 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.2% below the Mississippi state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Optometry in Mississippi allows practitioners to manage a variety of conditions and prescribe medications, including for glaucoma. This comprehensive scope of practice contributes to the competitive compensation for optometrists. For 2026, the projected median annual salary for an optometrist salary in Meridian is $114,238, with a salary range spanning from $66,258 at the 10th percentile to $161,697 at the 90th percentile. These figures are derived from state-level data and local cost adjustments, reflecting the unique economic factors of Meridian, MS. While the earnings may not match the national median of $140,612, the local job market still provides stable opportunities for optometrists, an essential factor to consider when evaluating career options in this field.
About the Meridian Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($112,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,258 | $31.86 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $92,687 | $44.56 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $114,238 | $54.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $135,357 | $65.07 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $161,697 | $77.73 |
Median Salary Position
18.76% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Meridian
In Meridian, MS, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $95,439 (2026 est.). At $114,238, the local median is 18.76% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Meridian: You'd be above the median
How Meridian Optometrist Pay Compares
Meridian median: $114,238/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Meridian Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Average | $120,504 | -5.20% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -18.76% less |
Optometrists in Meridian, MS earn a median of $114,238 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.76% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 5.20% below the Mississippi state average of $120,504.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Meridian 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.
Meridian, MS has a cost-of-living index of 85.7 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $114,238 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $133,300 in an average-cost city — an effective 16.69% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$93,633
2025 BLS Actual
$110,954
2026 Current Est.
$114,238
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Meridian (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $93,633 | Actual |
| 2020 | $95,908 | Actual |
| 2021 | $100,985 | Actual |
| 2022 | $102,033 | Actual |
| 2023 | $107,127 | Actual |
| 2024 | $90,993 | Actual |
| 2025 | $110,954 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $114,238 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $117,620 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Meridian metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $93,633 (2019) to $110,954 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $117,620 by 2027 — a total increase of $23,987 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Meridian 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) | $66,258 – $92,687 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $92,687 – $114,238 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $114,238 – $135,357 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $135,357 – $161,697 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Meridian
The local job market in Meridian exhibits a modest presence with only seven optometrists currently employed in the area. Given the cost of living index of 85.7, which is below the national average of 100, the potential for take-home pay may be more favorable in comparison to other regions. Employers that typically offer the highest compensation include private optometry practices and ophthalmology practices operating under an OD/MD model. Factors driving salary variations include practice ownership equity, the structure of team-based care alongside ophthalmologists, and the impact of residency training, particularly those specialized in ocular disease. To enhance earning potential, optometrists in Meridian might consider pursuing additional training or engaging in community outreach to build their patient base, allowing them to leverage their skills in a competitive market.
More salary data for Meridian, 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 $110,954 for optometristsin the Meridian 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 Meridian 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