Senior Optometrist Salary in Hattiesburg, MS: $164,151 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of optometrists working in Hattiesburg, MS — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $164,151/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1041. Strip back Hattiesburg's price premium (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $191,541 in average-cost America. The 43% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hattiesburg, Mississippi, the potential for top-tier earnings is significant for seasoned optometrists. With a projected salary of $164,151 for the highest earners in 2026, professionals in this field may find ample opportunity for lucrative compensation compared to the median salary of $114,976. Notably, achieving senior optometrist status requires more than just years in practice; it often demands advanced specializations that differentiate one from peers. The substantial gap between median salaries and top earners demonstrates the rewards of pursuing specialized training in areas such as ocular disease or pediatric optometry, which can significantly elevate one’s income potential within the local market.
About the Hattiesburg Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($112,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hattiesburg
Experienced optometrists at the top of the pay scale in Hattiesburg earn between $137,090 and $164,151 per year (2026 est.). This $97,220 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Hattiesburg median of $114,976 sits 18.23% below the US median.
Top OD Salary Comparison
| Level | Hattiesburg | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $114,976 | $140,612 |
| 75th Percentile | $137,090 | $170,008 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $164,151 | $208,165 |
In Hattiesburg, experienced optometrists (P90) earn 42.77% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Optometrist Pay in Hattiesburg
Advanced Certifications in Mississippi
MS optometrists with additional specialty certifications within the optometry field earn significantly above the $114,976 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Hattiesburg employers.
Specialty Focus
Optometrists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the optometry field in Hattiesburg command premium compensation, often reaching the $137,090–$164,151 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Hattiesburg metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced optometrists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured optometrists in Hattiesburg 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 Mississippi 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 Hattiesburg
Clinical Optometrist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Optometrist
5-10 yearsOptometrist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedHattiesburg ranks #11 of 20 Mississippi cities for top earner optometrist salary (90th percentile: $164,151).
Top 10% optometrist compensation in Hattiesburg ($164,151) is 8.4% below the Mississippi average P90 ($179,212).
2019 BLS Actual
$153,060
2025 BLS Actual
$159,432
2026 Current Est.
$164,151
2019–2027 Growth
+10.4%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Hattiesburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $153,060 | Actual |
| 2020 | $154,409 | Actual |
| 2021 | $151,712 | Actual |
| 2022 | $150,955 | Actual |
| 2023 | $160,946 | Actual |
| 2024 | $133,126 | Actual |
| 2025 | $159,432 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $164,151 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $169,010 | Projected |
Top-earning optometrists (90th percentile) in Hattiesburg saw their compensation grow 4.2% from $153,060 in 2019 to $159,432 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 $169,010 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hattiesburg 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 Hattiesburg
Compensation strategies in Hattiesburg for experienced optometrists often hinge on multiple factors. Specializations such as ocular disease management or vision therapy not only command higher salaries but also enhance one's professional reputation and demand in the area. Moreover, the employment setting plays a crucial role in senior optometrist pay in MS; private practice ownership yields superior financial benefits compared to retail optical chains or corporate models, particularly as private equity increasingly acquires small practices. Leadership opportunities, like becoming a partner in an OD/MD model, or joining the AOA leadership, allow for both professional growth and additional income streams. To boost pay, optometrists should consider advanced credentials such as residency training or glaucoma certification, which five states allow. Additionally, non-salary benefits, including equity in private practice or revenue-sharing arrangements in collaborative care settings, may further enhance overall compensation beyond mere salary figures.
More salary data for Hattiesburg, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced optometrists make in Hattiesburg in 2026?
What drives higher optometrist pay in Hattiesburg?
What certifications boost optometrist salary in Hattiesburg?
Can experienced optometrists make six figures in Hattiesburg?
How much does optometrist salary increase over time in Hattiesburg?
Related Pages
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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
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 $159,432 for optometrists in the Hattiesburg 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 Hattiesburg 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