Optometrist Salary in Cleveland, TN: $129,806 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Cleveland, TN earns a median $129,806/year (≈ $62.40/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Cleveland's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.8), that paycheck buys what $141,401 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.3% below the Tennessee state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With an expanding scope of practice that permits optometrists in Ohio to manage glaucoma, prescribe oral medications, and perform select laser procedures, the median annual salary in Cleveland stands at $129,806 for 2026. The annual salary range for optometrists in the area extends from $76,642 at the 10th percentile to $191,185 at the 90th percentile, illustrating a diverse compensation landscape. These figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost differences, highlighting how Cleveland's job market reflects local demand and practice requirements. As optometrists leverage their expanding capabilities, the field remains competitive, drawing interest from those eager to pursue careers in this vital healthcare area.
About the Cleveland Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,642 | $36.85 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $107,114 | $51.50 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $129,806 | $62.40 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $158,343 | $76.13 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $191,185 | $91.91 |
Median Salary Position
7.68% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cleveland
In Cleveland, TN, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $114,543 (2026 est.). At $129,806, the local median is 7.68% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Cleveland: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Cleveland Optometrist Pay Compares
Cleveland median: $129,806/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Cleveland Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Average | $132,862 | -2.30% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -7.68% less |
Optometrists in Cleveland, TN earn a median of $129,806 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.68% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 2.30% below the Tennessee state average of $132,862.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Cleveland has a cost of living 8.20% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Cleveland, TN has a cost-of-living index of 91.8 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $129,806 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $141,401 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$106,393
2025 BLS Actual
$126,074
2026 Current Est.
$129,806
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Cleveland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $106,393 | Actual |
| 2020 | $108,977 | Actual |
| 2021 | $114,747 | Actual |
| 2022 | $115,938 | Actual |
| 2023 | $121,726 | Actual |
| 2024 | $114,768 | Actual |
| 2025 | $126,074 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $129,806 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $133,648 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Cleveland metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $106,393 (2019) to $126,074 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $133,648 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,255 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cleveland 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) | $76,642 – $107,114 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $107,114 – $129,806 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $129,806 – $158,343 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $158,343 – $191,185 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Cleveland
Cleveland's employment environment features around 10 optometrists, providing a tight-knit community for practitioners. With a cost-of-living index of 91.8, local compensation may afford a higher standard of living compared to many areas. In terms of pay, private optometry practices often lead in compensation, particularly for those who have ownership stakes or work closely with ophthalmologists in collaborative models. The spread between lower and higher salaries is frequently influenced by factors like practice ownership, the nature of employment (such as retail optical chains versus private practices), and the presence or absence of residency training, particularly in ocular disease. For those seeking to optimize their optometrist salary in Cleveland, focusing on specialized training and considering ownership or partnerships in practices could be effective strategies to enhance earnings in this evolving field.
More salary data for Cleveland, TN:
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 $126,074 for optometristsin the Cleveland 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 Cleveland 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