Senior Optometrist Salary in Augusta, GA: $175,022 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of optometrists working in Augusta, GA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $175,022/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1041. Strip back Augusta's price premium (BEA RPP 91.9, 8% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $190,442 in average-cost America. The 30% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
For experienced optometrists in Augusta, the potential for high earnings is significant, with top-tier salaries reaching up to $175,022 in 2026. The gap between the median annual salary of $134,250 and the 90th percentile reflects the wealth of opportunities available for those with advanced skills and specializations in this region. Achieving this level of pay often requires a blend of extensive experience, advanced training, and strategic career choices, such as pursuing residency training focusing on ocular disease or pediatric optometry. The competitive nature of senior optometrist pay in GA also hinges on factors like employer type and practice setting, which can substantially influence financial outcomes for seasoned professionals.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Augusta
Experienced optometrists at the top of the pay scale in Augusta earn between $167,444 and $175,022 per year (2026 est.). This $117,158 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Augusta median of $134,250 sits 4.52% below the US median.
Top OD Salary Comparison
| Level | Augusta | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $134,250 | $140,612 |
| 75th Percentile | $167,444 | $170,008 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $175,022 | $208,165 |
In Augusta, experienced optometrists (P90) earn 30.37% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Optometrist Pay in Augusta
Advanced Certifications in Georgia
GA optometrists with additional specialty certifications within the optometry field earn significantly above the $134,250 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Augusta employers.
Specialty Focus
Optometrists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the optometry field in Augusta command premium compensation, often reaching the $167,444–$175,022 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Augusta metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced optometrists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured optometrists in Augusta with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Optometrists in Georgia who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Optometrist Career & Wage Growth Path in Augusta
Clinical Optometrist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Optometrist
5-10 yearsOptometrist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedAugusta ranks #36 of 39 Georgia cities for top earner optometrist salary (90th percentile: $175,022).
Top 10% optometrist compensation in Augusta ($175,022) is 8.8% below the Georgia average P90 ($191,916).
2019 BLS Actual
$163,196
2025 BLS Actual
$169,990
2026 Current Est.
$175,022
2019–2027 Growth
+10.4%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Augusta (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $163,196 | Actual |
| 2020 | $164,634 | Actual |
| 2021 | $161,759 | Actual |
| 2022 | $151,640 | Actual |
| 2023 | $171,950 | Actual |
| 2024 | $167,090 | Actual |
| 2025 | $169,990 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $175,022 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $180,202 | Projected |
Top-earning optometrists (90th percentile) in Augusta saw their compensation grow 4.2% from $163,196 in 2019 to $169,990 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.96% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $180,202 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Augusta 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.
Maximizing Your Optometrist Earnings in Augusta
Senior optometrists specializing in areas such as ocular disease, vision therapy, and low vision rehabilitation can command premium pay in Augusta, often seeing enhanced salary offers compared to peers in general practice. Compensation varies significantly across employer types; those linked with ophthalmology practices or operating in team-based models may enjoy greater financial benefits, shared patient revenue, and opportunities for ownership. Career advancement paths such as becoming a practice partner or faculty in residency programs can also lead to elevated salaries and influence. Advanced credentials, including residency training and state-specific certifications, enhance earning potential, contributing to a more robust financial profile. Non-salary compensation factors, including equity in practice and revenue-sharing models with ophthalmology, have become vital for senior optometrists looking to maximize their earnings in the evolving landscape of healthcare delivery in Augusta, GA.
More salary data for Augusta, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced optometrists make in Augusta in 2026?
What drives higher optometrist pay in Augusta?
What certifications boost optometrist salary in Augusta?
Can experienced optometrists make six figures in Augusta?
How much does optometrist salary increase over time in Augusta?
Related Pages
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Nearby Cities in Georgia
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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $169,990 for optometrists in the Augusta metro area. A 2.96% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 4-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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