Senior Optometrist Salary in Vicksburg, MS: $157,689 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of optometrists working in Vicksburg, MS — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $157,689/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1041. Strip back Vicksburg's price premium (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $184,001 in average-cost America. The 36% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Senior optometrists in Vicksburg, Mississippi, can expect competitive compensation, with a median annual salary projected at $115,698 for 2026. Among experienced optometrists, the earning potential dramatically increases, reaching up to $157,689 at the 90th percentile. This reflection of the experience premium is significant, as it shows a clear divergence from the median salary, indicating that advanced experience and specialized skills can lead to lucrative opportunities. To achieve these top-tier salary levels, professionals typically need to possess over seven years of experience, often complemented by additional training or specialization that makes them invaluable within their practices. Those aiming for the highest pay brackets should explore options that enhance their expertise and marketability in the evolving field of optometry.
About the Vicksburg Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($112,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Vicksburg
Experienced optometrists at the top of the pay scale in Vicksburg earn between $136,523 and $157,689 per year (2026 est.). This $90,473 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Vicksburg median of $115,698 sits 17.72% below the US median.
Top OD Salary Comparison
| Level | Vicksburg | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $115,698 | $140,612 |
| 75th Percentile | $136,523 | $170,008 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $157,689 | $208,165 |
In Vicksburg, experienced optometrists (P90) earn 36.29% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Optometrist Pay in Vicksburg
Advanced Certifications in Mississippi
MS optometrists with additional specialty certifications within the optometry field earn significantly above the $115,698 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Vicksburg employers.
Specialty Focus
Optometrists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the optometry field in Vicksburg command premium compensation, often reaching the $136,523–$157,689 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Vicksburg metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced optometrists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured optometrists in Vicksburg 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 Vicksburg
Clinical Optometrist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Optometrist
5-10 yearsOptometrist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedVicksburg ranks #16 of 20 Mississippi cities for top earner optometrist salary (90th percentile: $157,689).
Top 10% optometrist compensation in Vicksburg ($157,689) is 12.01% below the Mississippi average P90 ($179,212).
2019 BLS Actual
$147,035
2025 BLS Actual
$153,156
2026 Current Est.
$157,689
2019–2027 Growth
+10.4%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Vicksburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $147,035 | Actual |
| 2020 | $148,331 | Actual |
| 2021 | $145,740 | Actual |
| 2022 | $145,013 | Actual |
| 2023 | $154,610 | Actual |
| 2024 | $127,920 | Actual |
| 2025 | $153,156 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $157,689 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $162,357 | Projected |
Top-earning optometrists (90th percentile) in Vicksburg saw their compensation grow 4.2% from $147,035 in 2019 to $153,156 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 $162,357 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Vicksburg 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 Vicksburg
Compensation in Vicksburg can vary significantly based on the area of specialization and the type of employer. Optometrists focusing on ocular disease, pediatric optometry, or contact lenses often command higher salaries due to their specialized skill sets. The professional landscape includes a mix of private practices, retail chains like Walmart Vision, and ophthalmology partnerships, each offering different compensation structures. For instance, private practice owners may benefit from equity in their business, while optometrists in corporate settings may encounter distinct employment conditions, especially as more private practices transition to private equity ownership. Further educational credentials, such as a residency in ocular disease or certifications in glaucoma and oral pharmaceutical agents, can also augment earning potential. Meanwhile, advancing to leadership roles, such as an associate OD or a practice partner, offers additional pathways for growth in senior optometrist pay in MS. With an annual growth rate of 2.96% projected for the profession, those entering mid to senior-level roles in Vicksburg can anticipate stable demand for their services.
More salary data for Vicksburg, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced optometrists make in Vicksburg in 2026?
What drives higher optometrist pay in Vicksburg?
What certifications boost optometrist salary in Vicksburg?
Can experienced optometrists make six figures in Vicksburg?
How much does optometrist salary increase over time in Vicksburg?
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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 $153,156 for optometrists in the Vicksburg 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 Vicksburg 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