Senior Optometrist Salary in Madison, MS: $166,115 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of optometrists working in Madison, MS — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $166,115/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1041. Strip back Madison's price premium (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $193,833 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
In Madison, MS, senior optometrists are positioned to earn substantial salaries, with the top-tier earning potential reaching up to $166,115 by 2026. This figure represents a significant gap from the median annual salary of $118,858, highlighting the distinctive financial benefits for experienced professionals in this field. As optometrists gain expertise and refine their specializations, particularly in areas such as ocular disease and pediatric optometry, they can expect to elevate their earning capacity. The pathway to achieving top optometrist salaries in Madison often involves advanced credentials, continuous education, and strategic career moves, setting them apart from peers in this competitive market.
About the Madison Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($112,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Madison
Experienced optometrists at the top of the pay scale in Madison earn between $139,269 and $166,115 per year (2026 est.). This $97,177 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Madison median of $118,858 sits 15.47% below the US median.
Top OD Salary Comparison
| Level | Madison | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $118,858 | $140,612 |
| 75th Percentile | $139,269 | $170,008 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $166,115 | $208,165 |
In Madison, experienced optometrists (P90) earn 39.76% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Optometrist Pay in Madison
Advanced Certifications in Mississippi
MS optometrists with additional specialty certifications within the optometry field earn significantly above the $118,858 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Madison employers.
Specialty Focus
Optometrists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the optometry field in Madison command premium compensation, often reaching the $139,269–$166,115 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Madison metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced optometrists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured optometrists in Madison 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 Madison
Clinical Optometrist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Optometrist
5-10 yearsOptometrist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedMadison ranks #9 of 20 Mississippi cities for top earner optometrist salary (90th percentile: $166,115).
Top 10% optometrist compensation in Madison ($166,115) is 7.31% below the Mississippi average P90 ($179,212).
2019 BLS Actual
$154,891
2025 BLS Actual
$161,339
2026 Current Est.
$166,115
2019–2027 Growth
+10.4%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Madison (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $154,891 | Actual |
| 2020 | $156,256 | Actual |
| 2021 | $153,527 | Actual |
| 2022 | $152,761 | Actual |
| 2023 | $162,871 | Actual |
| 2024 | $134,768 | Actual |
| 2025 | $161,339 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $166,115 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $171,032 | Projected |
Top-earning optometrists (90th percentile) in Madison saw their compensation grow 4.2% from $154,891 in 2019 to $161,339 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 $171,032 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Madison 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 Madison
On a deeper level, premium compensation for experienced optometrists in Madison is heavily influenced by specialization and employment type. Notably, expertise in ocular disease or residency training in pediatric optometry is increasingly recognized by employers, often resulting in higher salaries. The type of practice can also significantly affect pay; optometrists in private practices may see a different compensation model compared to their counterparts at retail optical chains or ophthalmology offices. Many senior optometrists pursue leadership roles that provide avenues for advancement and income growth, such as practice ownership or partnerships in OD/MD models. Advanced education, including optional residencies or certifications in glaucoma management and oral pharmaceutical agents, can enhance professional appeal and compensation in Mississippi's evolving optometry landscape. Non-salary benefits, such as equity in practice ownership and collaboration with ophthalmologists on surgical procedures, further enrich the overall compensation package for senior optometrists in the area.
More salary data for Madison, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced optometrists make in Madison in 2026?
What drives higher optometrist pay in Madison?
What certifications boost optometrist salary in Madison?
Can experienced optometrists make six figures in Madison?
How much does optometrist salary increase over time in Madison?
Related Pages
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Nearby Cities in Mississippi
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 $161,339 for optometrists in the Madison 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 Madison 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