Senior Optometrist Salary in Collierville, TN: $190,720 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of optometrists working in Collierville, TN — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $190,720/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1041. Strip back Collierville's price premium (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $207,756 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 2026, senior optometrists in Collierville can expect to command impressive salaries, with top earners reaching as high as $190,720. This remarkable figure illustrates both the potential for high compensation and the experience premium tied to extensive practice. The median annual salary for optometrists in this area is projected at $133,198, revealing a notable gap between the average and top-tier professionals. Attaining these elevated income levels typically requires a combination of specialization, advanced credentials, and strategic career moves. Optometrists who are well-versed in therapeutic practices or those who have pursued residency training can leverage their skills to join this elite group of earners in TN's thriving healthcare market.
About the Collierville Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Collierville
Experienced optometrists at the top of the pay scale in Collierville earn between $160,666 and $190,720 per year (2026 est.). This $113,465 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Collierville median of $133,198 sits 5.27% below the US median.
Top OD Salary Comparison
| Level | Collierville | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $133,198 | $140,612 |
| 75th Percentile | $160,666 | $170,008 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $190,720 | $208,165 |
In Collierville, experienced optometrists (P90) earn 43.19% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Optometrist Pay in Collierville
Advanced Certifications in Tennessee
TN optometrists with additional specialty certifications within the optometry field earn significantly above the $133,198 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Collierville employers.
Specialty Focus
Optometrists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the optometry field in Collierville command premium compensation, often reaching the $160,666–$190,720 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Collierville metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced optometrists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured optometrists in Collierville 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 Tennessee 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 Collierville
Clinical Optometrist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Optometrist
5-10 yearsOptometrist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedCollierville ranks #9 of 30 Tennessee cities for top earner optometrist salary (90th percentile: $190,720).
Top 10% optometrist compensation in Collierville ($190,720) is 6.2% above the Tennessee average P90 ($179,582).
2019 BLS Actual
$177,834
2025 BLS Actual
$185,237
2026 Current Est.
$190,720
2019–2027 Growth
+10.4%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Collierville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $177,834 | Actual |
| 2020 | $179,401 | Actual |
| 2021 | $176,267 | Actual |
| 2022 | $175,388 | Actual |
| 2023 | $186,996 | Actual |
| 2024 | $171,775 | Actual |
| 2025 | $185,237 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $190,720 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $196,365 | Projected |
Top-earning optometrists (90th percentile) in Collierville saw their compensation grow 4.2% from $177,834 in 2019 to $185,237 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 $196,365 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Collierville 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 Collierville
Various specializations within optometry in Collierville contribute to senior optometrist pay TN, with fields such as ocular disease management, pediatric optometry, and sports vision attracting premium compensation. Employment settings also influence earnings significantly; optometrists in ophthalmology practices, particularly those operating under an OD/MD model, often see higher pay compared to their counterparts in retail chains like LensCrafters and Walmart Vision. Career advancement opportunities abound, with potential paths leading to associate partnerships or even ownership of private practices. Elevating credentials beyond the traditional OD degree—like completing a residency or obtaining glaucoma certification—further enhance earning potential. Additionally, factors such as equity stakes in practice ownership and relationship dynamics with ophthalmologists can significantly increase total compensation. As the field evolves with expanded scope-of-practice for optometrists, those willing to embrace advancements will find themselves well-positioned in this rapidly changing landscape.
More salary data for Collierville, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced optometrists make in Collierville in 2026?
What drives higher optometrist pay in Collierville?
What certifications boost optometrist salary in Collierville?
Can experienced optometrists make six figures in Collierville?
How much does optometrist salary increase over time in Collierville?
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 $185,237 for optometrists in the Collierville 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 Collierville 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