Optometrist Salary in Oak Ridge, TN: $130,394 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Oak Ridge, TN earns a median $130,394/year (≈ $62.69/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Oak Ridge's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.8), that paycheck buys what $142,041 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.9% below the Tennessee state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Oak Ridge, Tennessee, the projected median annual salary for optometrists in 2026 is $130,394, placing it about 7.27% below the national median of $140,612. The salary range here varies significantly, from $75,628 at the lower end to $193,529 for those at the upper tier of the pay scale. These figures reflect local estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and account for regional cost adjustments. The job market for optometrists in Oak Ridge incorporates a mix of practice ownership, employed associates, and retail chain positions, creating a competitive environment that can significantly influence earning potential based on practice structure and individual qualifications.
About the Oak Ridge Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,628 | $36.36 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $103,278 | $49.66 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $130,394 | $62.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $154,771 | $74.41 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $193,529 | $93.04 |
Median Salary Position
7.27% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Oak Ridge
In Oak Ridge, TN, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $117,901 (2026 est.). At $130,394, the local median is 7.27% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Oak Ridge: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Oak Ridge Optometrist Pay Compares
Oak Ridge median: $130,394/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Oak Ridge Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Average | $132,919 | -1.90% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -7.27% less |
Optometrists in Oak Ridge, TN earn a median of $130,394 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.27% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 1.90% below the Tennessee state average of $132,919.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Oak Ridge 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.
Oak Ridge, TN has a cost-of-living index of 91.8 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $130,394 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $142,041 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$106,874
2025 BLS Actual
$126,645
2026 Current Est.
$130,394
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Oak Ridge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $106,874 | Actual |
| 2020 | $109,471 | Actual |
| 2021 | $115,267 | Actual |
| 2022 | $116,463 | Actual |
| 2023 | $122,277 | Actual |
| 2024 | $115,287 | Actual |
| 2025 | $126,645 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $130,394 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $134,253 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Oak Ridge metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $106,874 (2019) to $126,645 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $134,253 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,379 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Oak Ridge 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) | $75,628 – $103,278 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $103,278 – $130,394 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $130,394 – $154,771 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $154,771 – $193,529 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Oak Ridge
The employment scene shows that only six optometrists are currently practicing in Oak Ridge, indicating a relatively tight market for new graduates. Coupled with a cost-of-living index of 91.8, this means that optometrists may find their take-home pay stretches further in this area compared to regions with higher living costs. Among employers, private practices that maintain ownership tend to offer higher compensation compared to retail chains such as LensCrafters or Walmart Vision. The variance in pay can largely be attributed to factors like practice ownership equity, the presence of optometrists working closely with ophthalmologists in collaborative models, and whether practitioners have completed residency training that could command a premium. For those considering a career in optometry here, focusing on specialty training, exploring practice ownership opportunities, and seeking positions within collaborative care settings would be strategic for maximizing overall earnings.
More salary data for Oak Ridge, 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 $126,645 for optometristsin the Oak Ridge 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 Oak Ridge 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