Senior Optometrist Salary in Maryville, TN: $179,327 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of optometrists working in Maryville, TN — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $179,327/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1041. Strip back Maryville's price premium (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $195,345 in average-cost America. The 42% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Salaries for senior optometrists in Maryville, Tennessee, showcase significant potential for experienced professionals aiming for top-tier compensation. In 2026, those in the 90th percentile can expect to earn up to $179,327, while the 75th percentile reaches an annual salary of $149,669. With a median salary of $126,196 for optometrists in the area, the difference illustrates a substantial experience premium that can be leveraged through various career advancements. Achieving these higher pay levels typically requires a combination of advanced skills, specialty training, and strategic positioning within the local job market, particularly as optometry increasingly focuses on specialized services and multi-disciplinary practices.
About the Maryville Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Maryville
Experienced optometrists at the top of the pay scale in Maryville earn between $149,669 and $179,327 per year (2026 est.). This $106,134 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Maryville median of $126,196 sits 10.25% below the US median.
Top OD Salary Comparison
| Level | Maryville | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $126,196 | $140,612 |
| 75th Percentile | $149,669 | $170,008 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $179,327 | $208,165 |
In Maryville, experienced optometrists (P90) earn 42.10% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Optometrist Pay in Maryville
Advanced Certifications in Tennessee
TN optometrists with additional specialty certifications within the optometry field earn significantly above the $126,196 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Maryville employers.
Specialty Focus
Optometrists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the optometry field in Maryville command premium compensation, often reaching the $149,669–$179,327 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Maryville metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced optometrists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured optometrists in Maryville 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 Maryville
Clinical Optometrist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Optometrist
5-10 yearsOptometrist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedMaryville ranks #19 of 30 Tennessee cities for top earner optometrist salary (90th percentile: $179,327).
Top 10% optometrist compensation in Maryville ($179,327) is 0.14% below the Tennessee average P90 ($179,582).
2019 BLS Actual
$167,211
2025 BLS Actual
$174,172
2026 Current Est.
$179,327
2019–2027 Growth
+10.4%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Maryville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $167,211 | Actual |
| 2020 | $168,684 | Actual |
| 2021 | $165,738 | Actual |
| 2022 | $164,911 | Actual |
| 2023 | $175,826 | Actual |
| 2024 | $161,447 | Actual |
| 2025 | $174,172 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $179,327 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $184,636 | Projected |
Top-earning optometrists (90th percentile) in Maryville saw their compensation grow 4.2% from $167,211 in 2019 to $174,172 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 $184,636 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Maryville 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 Maryville
In Maryville, certain optometry specializations command higher salaries, particularly in areas like ocular disease management, pediatric optometry, and contact lens fittings. Compensation levels can vary based on the type of employment setting; for instance, senior optometrists at private practices or ophthalmology partnerships may earn more than those at retail optical chains like LensCrafters or Walmart Vision. The opportunity to transition into leadership roles—such as becoming a practice owner or an associate doctor in a multi-location operation—can also significantly enhance earning potential. Obtaining advanced credentials, such as completing a residency program in ocular disease or acquiring glaucoma certifications, is highly beneficial, and working alongside ophthalmologists can open doors to additional revenue streams. Furthermore, compensation strategies may include practice ownership equity or profit-sharing models, differentiating senior optometrist pay in TN significantly based on career trajectory and clinical focus.
More salary data for Maryville, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced optometrists make in Maryville in 2026?
What drives higher optometrist pay in Maryville?
What certifications boost optometrist salary in Maryville?
Can experienced optometrists make six figures in Maryville?
How much does optometrist salary increase over time in Maryville?
Related Pages
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Nearby Cities in Tennessee
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 $174,172 for optometrists in the Maryville 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 Maryville 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