Senior Optometrist Salary in Evans, GA: $182,333 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of optometrists working in Evans, GA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $182,333/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1041. Strip back Evans's price premium (BEA RPP 93.1, 7% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $195,846 in average-cost America. The 40% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Optometrists in Evans, Georgia can attain remarkable salaries, particularly at the senior level. The top-paying positions in this area are projected to reach as high as $182,333 annually in 2026, with the median annual salary for seasoned professionals estimated at $130,217. This presents a considerable gap, reflecting the experience premium seen in the field. To achieve the highest earners' status, optometrists must possess extensive clinical experience, ideally complemented by advanced certifications and subspecialties such as ocular disease or pediatric optometry. Given the competitive landscape in Evans, aligning with top-tier practices or expanding into leadership roles can further bolster earning potential.
About the Evans Market
Salary estimated from Georgia average ($130,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Evans
Experienced optometrists at the top of the pay scale in Evans earn between $152,787 and $182,333 per year (2026 est.). This $103,437 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Evans median of $130,217 sits 7.39% below the US median.
Top OD Salary Comparison
| Level | Evans | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $130,217 | $140,612 |
| 75th Percentile | $152,787 | $170,008 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $182,333 | $208,165 |
In Evans, experienced optometrists (P90) earn 40.02% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Optometrist Pay in Evans
Advanced Certifications in Georgia
GA optometrists with additional specialty certifications within the optometry field earn significantly above the $130,217 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Evans employers.
Specialty Focus
Optometrists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the optometry field in Evans command premium compensation, often reaching the $152,787–$182,333 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Evans metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced optometrists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured optometrists in Evans 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 Evans
Clinical Optometrist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Optometrist
5-10 yearsOptometrist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedEvans ranks #33 of 39 Georgia cities for top earner optometrist salary (90th percentile: $182,333).
Top 10% optometrist compensation in Evans ($182,333) is 4.99% below the Georgia average P90 ($191,916).
2019 BLS Actual
$170,014
2025 BLS Actual
$177,091
2026 Current Est.
$182,333
2019–2027 Growth
+10.4%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Evans (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $170,014 | Actual |
| 2020 | $171,511 | Actual |
| 2021 | $168,516 | Actual |
| 2022 | $167,675 | Actual |
| 2023 | $178,773 | Actual |
| 2024 | $167,424 | Actual |
| 2025 | $177,091 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $182,333 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $187,730 | Projected |
Top-earning optometrists (90th percentile) in Evans saw their compensation grow 4.2% from $170,014 in 2019 to $177,091 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 $187,730 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Evans 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 Evans
Further analysis reveals significant variances in compensation based on specialization and employment type for experienced optometrists in GA. Those with niche expertise like cornea and contact lenses or vision therapy often command higher salaries, while different employer structures—such as private practices versus retail chains—can profoundly impact pay scales. Advances in the optometric scope of practice, especially in glaucoma management and the prescribing of oral medications, have increased the demand for residency-trained professionals, further elevating salaries. Career advancement opportunities are abundant, ranging from practice ownership to roles as clinical faculty or partners in OD/MD models. Additionally, obtaining advanced credentials, including a residency or certifications in specialized areas, can significantly enhance compensation in this evolving job market.
More salary data for Evans, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced optometrists make in Evans in 2026?
What drives higher optometrist pay in Evans?
What certifications boost optometrist salary in Evans?
Can experienced optometrists make six figures in Evans?
How much does optometrist salary increase over time in Evans?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
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 $177,091 for optometrists in the Evans 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
Salary data for Evans 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