Optometrist Salary in Columbia, TN: $129,518 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Columbia, TN earns a median $129,518/year (≈ $62.27/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Columbia's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.8), that paycheck buys what $141,087 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.5% below the Tennessee state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, optometrists in Columbia, Tennessee, can expect a median annual salary of $129,518, which is approximately 7.89% lower than the national median of $140,612. The salary range varies significantly, from $75,121 at the 10th percentile to $190,198 at the 90th percentile, indicating a diverse market that includes private practice ownership, employed associates, and retail chain positions. These figures, derived from BLS state-level data and regional cost adjustments, paint a promising picture for optometrists, though individual earnings will greatly depend on their structural choices, expertise, and specialization.
About the Columbia Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,121 | $36.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $101,511 | $48.80 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $129,518 | $62.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $157,747 | $75.84 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $190,198 | $91.44 |
Median Salary Position
7.89% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Columbia
In Columbia, TN, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $115,077 (2026 est.). At $129,518, the local median is 7.89% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Columbia: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Columbia Optometrist Pay Compares
Columbia median: $129,518/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Columbia Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Average | $132,838 | -2.50% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -7.89% less |
Optometrists in Columbia, TN earn a median of $129,518 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.89% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 2.50% below the Tennessee state average of $132,838.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Columbia 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.
Columbia, TN has a cost-of-living index of 91.8 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $129,518 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $141,087 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$106,156
2025 BLS Actual
$125,794
2026 Current Est.
$129,518
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Columbia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $106,156 | Actual |
| 2020 | $108,735 | Actual |
| 2021 | $114,492 | Actual |
| 2022 | $115,680 | Actual |
| 2023 | $121,456 | Actual |
| 2024 | $114,512 | Actual |
| 2025 | $125,794 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $129,518 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $133,351 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Columbia metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $106,156 (2019) to $125,794 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $133,351 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,195 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Columbia 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) | $75,121 – $101,511 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $101,511 – $129,518 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $129,518 – $157,747 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $157,747 – $190,198 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Columbia
Within Columbia's job market, only ten optometrists are currently employed, suggesting a tight-knit professional community. With a cost-of-living index of 91.8, the purchasing power for optometrists may be more favorable compared to national averages, allowing them to enjoy a comfortable standard of living. Those seeking higher optometrist pay in Columbia, TN, may find better compensation in private optometry practices or ophthalmology settings, particularly for residency-trained individuals who can refer patients for surgical procedures. Factors that influence the wide salary range include choices regarding practice ownership, the business model of the practice, and the financial agreements tied to formerly private practices that have been acquired by private equity. Aspiring optometrists should consider pursuing residency training and maintaining strong relationships with local employers to maximize their earning potential in this market.
More salary data for Columbia, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can optometrists make $100K in Columbia?
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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 $125,794 for optometristsin the Columbia 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 Columbia 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