Optometrist Salary in Oxford, MS: $114,967 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Oxford, MS earns a median $114,967/year (≈ $55.27/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Oxford's price level (14% below national, BEA RPP 85.7), that paycheck buys what $134,151 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.6% below the Mississippi state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Oxford, Mississippi, the projected median annual salary for optometrists in 2026 is $114,967, reflecting a notable gap when compared to the national median of $140,612. The salary range for optometrists in the area varies widely, from $66,911 at the 10th percentile to $164,120 at the 90th percentile. These figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data and adjusted for regional price parities. Moreover, the state's expanded scope of practice—permitting optometrists to manage glaucoma, prescribe oral medications, and perform certain laser procedures—may influence both compensation and job demand in Oxford's market, making it a competitive landscape for new entrants into the field.
About the Oxford Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($112,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,911 | $32.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $94,153 | $45.26 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $114,967 | $55.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $139,547 | $67.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $164,120 | $78.91 |
Median Salary Position
18.24% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Oxford
In Oxford, MS, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $97,209 (2026 est.). At $114,967, the local median is 18.24% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Oxford: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Oxford Optometrist Pay Compares
Oxford median: $114,967/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Oxford Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Average | $120,511 | -4.60% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -18.24% less |
Optometrists in Oxford, MS earn a median of $114,967 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.24% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 4.60% below the Mississippi state average of $120,511.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Oxford 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.
Oxford, MS has a cost-of-living index of 85.7 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $114,967 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $134,151 in an average-cost city — an effective 16.69% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$94,230
2025 BLS Actual
$111,662
2026 Current Est.
$114,967
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Oxford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $94,230 | Actual |
| 2020 | $96,520 | Actual |
| 2021 | $101,630 | Actual |
| 2022 | $102,685 | Actual |
| 2023 | $107,811 | Actual |
| 2024 | $91,574 | Actual |
| 2025 | $111,662 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $114,967 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $118,370 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Oxford metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $94,230 (2019) to $111,662 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $118,370 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,140 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Oxford 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) | $66,911 – $94,153 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $94,153 – $114,967 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $114,967 – $139,547 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $139,547 – $164,120 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Oxford
The local job market for optometrists in Oxford employs only five professionals, indicating a more concentrated market that could impact salary negotiations. With a cost-of-living index at 85.7, the affordability factor allows for a reasonable standard of living despite the compensation being lower than the national average. When looking at potential employers, private optometry practices and larger retail chains, such as Walmart Vision and LensCrafters, tend to lead in terms of pay. Factors contributing to wage disparities include practice ownership equity and the decision to operate within an OD/MD model, where optometrists work alongside ophthalmologists. To maximize earning potential in this environment, optometrists should consider pursuing residency training, which offers a premium in pay alongside specializing in areas such as ocular disease treatment, or aligning with well-established practices that may provide better post-acquisition compensation packages.
More salary data for Oxford, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can optometrists make $100K in Oxford?
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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 $111,662 for optometristsin the Oxford 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 Oxford 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