Optometrist Salary in Jackson, TN: $134,082 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Jackson, TN earns a median $134,082/year (≈ $64.46/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Jackson's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.8), that paycheck buys what $146,059 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% above the Tennessee state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Jackson, TN, optometrists are projected to earn a median annual salary of $134,082 in 2026, which is slightly below the national median of $140,612. This disparity may reflect regional practice dynamics, especially given the scope of practice rights that allow optometrists to manage glaucoma, prescribe oral medications, and perform certain laser procedures. The salary range for optometrists in Jackson is quite wide, spanning from $77,768 at the 10th percentile to $193,787 at the 90th percentile, indicating considerable variability in compensation based on experience and practice mode. These figures are derived from state-level estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local cost of living, which plays a significant role in shaping overall compensation in this area. Jackson’s job market for optometrists remains steady, providing a solid foundation for practitioners considering this community.
About the Jackson Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,768 | $37.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $105,817 | $50.87 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $134,082 | $64.46 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $162,813 | $78.28 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $193,787 | $93.17 |
Median Salary Position
4.64% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Jackson
In Jackson, TN, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $116,019 (2026 est.). At $134,082, the local median is 4.64% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Jackson: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Jackson Optometrist Pay Compares
Jackson median: $134,082/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Jackson Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Average | $132,886 | +0.90% more |
| National Average | $140,612 | -4.64% less |
Optometrists in Jackson, TN earn a median of $134,082 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.64% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 0.90% above the Tennessee state average of $132,886.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Jackson 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.
Jackson, TN has a cost-of-living index of 91.8 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $134,082 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $146,059 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$109,897
2025 BLS Actual
$130,227
2026 Current Est.
$134,082
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Jackson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $109,897 | Actual |
| 2020 | $112,567 | Actual |
| 2021 | $118,527 | Actual |
| 2022 | $119,757 | Actual |
| 2023 | $125,736 | Actual |
| 2024 | $118,549 | Actual |
| 2025 | $130,227 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $134,082 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $138,051 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Jackson metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $109,897 (2019) to $130,227 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $138,051 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,154 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Jackson 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) | $77,768 – $105,817 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $105,817 – $134,082 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $134,082 – $162,813 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $162,813 – $193,787 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Jackson
With only 16 optometrists actively employed in the Jackson area, the local job market for eye care professionals may be tight, limiting competition. The region’s cost of living index stands at 91.8, below the national average, which can enhance the take-home purchasing power for those practicing in the area. Employers, particularly private optometry practices, tend to offer higher compensation compared to retail optical chains like LensCrafters or Walmart Vision. The pay scale can also vary significantly within the market due to factors like practice ownership equity, training in ocular disease, and whether one works in an ophthalmology model or a retail chain setting. Strategic advice for maximizing pay in Jackson includes considering opportunities in practice ownership or partnership, pursuing residency training to enhance skills, and negotiating favorable employment terms, particularly with practices that may have transitioned to private equity ownership. Understanding these dynamics can provide crucial insight into how much optometrists make in Jackson and how they can effectively navigate their career paths.
More salary data for Jackson, 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 $130,227 for optometristsin the Jackson 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 Jackson 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