Optometrist Salary in Maryville, TN: $126,196 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Maryville, TN earns a median $126,196/year (≈ $60.67/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Maryville's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.8), that paycheck buys what $137,468 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.0% below the Tennessee state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, optometrists in Maryville, Tennessee, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $126,196. This figure, while lower than the national median of $140,612, reflects local economic conditions and the role of surgical co-management revenue in enhancing compensation. The salary range for optometrists in this area extends from $73,193 at the 10th percentile to $179,327 at the 90th percentile. These estimates are based on data derived from 2025 BLS projections, adjusted for regional cost of living, providing an insight into the competitive landscape for optometry professionals in Maryville. The market shows promise, with a growing demand for optometrists as the scope of practice expands, especially in areas like glaucoma management and minor surgical procedures.
About the Maryville Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,193 | $35.19 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $102,635 | $49.35 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $126,196 | $60.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $149,669 | $71.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $179,327 | $86.22 |
Median Salary Position
10.25% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Maryville
In Maryville, TN, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $106,134 (2026 est.). At $126,196, the local median is 10.25% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Maryville: You'd be above the median
How Maryville Optometrist Pay Compares
Maryville median: $126,196/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Maryville Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Average | $132,838 | -5.00% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -10.25% less |
Optometrists in Maryville, TN earn a median of $126,196 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.25% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 5.00% below the Tennessee state average of $132,838.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Maryville 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.
Maryville, TN has a cost-of-living index of 91.8 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $126,196 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $137,468 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.93% boost.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$103,434
2025 BLS Actual
$122,568
2026 Current Est.
$126,196
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Maryville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $103,434 | Actual |
| 2020 | $105,947 | Actual |
| 2021 | $111,556 | Actual |
| 2022 | $112,714 | Actual |
| 2023 | $118,341 | Actual |
| 2024 | $111,576 | Actual |
| 2025 | $122,568 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $126,196 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $129,931 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Maryville metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $103,434 (2019) to $122,568 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $129,931 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,497 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Maryville 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) | $73,193 – $102,635 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $102,635 – $126,196 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $126,196 – $149,669 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $149,669 – $179,327 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Maryville
While Maryville has only six optometrists currently employed, the cost of living index at 91.8 indicates a relatively affordable environment for residents, which can enhance the purchasing power of their earnings. Among the types of employers in the area, private optometry practices and ophthalmology offices often offer higher compensation due to potential revenue-sharing models through the OD/MD collaboration. In contrast, retail optical chains may provide more consistent hours but typically at lower pay levels. The variation in pay largely stems from factors such as ownership equity in private practices, specialty training in ocular disease, and the changes brought about by recent private equity acquisitions. For those looking to maximize their earnings, pursuing additional residency training, especially in areas compatible with the local market needs, alongside establishing strong referral networks can be crucial strategies in this evolving landscape of optometrist pay in Maryville, TN.
More salary data for Maryville, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make in Maryville, TN in 2026?
Is Maryville, TN a good place to work as a optometrist?
Can optometrists make $100K in Maryville?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted optometrist salary in Maryville?
How much does a optometrist make per hour in Maryville?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Tennessee
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 $122,568 for optometristsin the Maryville 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 Maryville 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