Senior Optometrist Salary in Memphis, TN: $173,333 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of optometrists working in Memphis, TN — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $173,333/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1041. Strip back Memphis's price premium (BEA RPP 92.2, 8% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $188,040 in average-cost America. The 30% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, top-tier optometrists in Memphis, Tennessee can anticipate significant financial rewards, with potential earnings reaching up to $173,333, while the P75 stands at $165,827. Such figures highlight a substantial gap compared to the median annual salary of $132,901 for experienced optometrists in the area. Achieving these premium salaries requires not just extensive clinical experience of seven years or more, but often involves specialized training in areas such as ocular disease, pediatric optometry, or surgical co-management, which can command higher compensation. The earning potential for experienced professionals in Memphis not only reflects their commitment to the field but also emphasizes the need for ongoing education and possibly acquiring advanced credentials to position themselves as leaders in their specialty.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Memphis
Experienced optometrists at the top of the pay scale in Memphis earn between $165,827 and $173,333 per year (2026 est.). This $123,243 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Memphis median of $132,901 sits 5.48% below the US median.
Top OD Salary Comparison
| Level | Memphis | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $132,901 | $140,612 |
| 75th Percentile | $165,827 | $170,008 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $173,333 | $208,165 |
In Memphis, experienced optometrists (P90) earn 30.42% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Optometrist Pay in Memphis
Advanced Certifications in Tennessee
TN optometrists with additional specialty certifications within the optometry field earn significantly above the $132,901 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Memphis employers.
Specialty Focus
Optometrists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the optometry field in Memphis command premium compensation, often reaching the $165,827–$173,333 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Memphis metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced optometrists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured optometrists in Memphis 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 Memphis
Clinical Optometrist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Optometrist
5-10 yearsOptometrist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedMemphis ranks #25 of 30 Tennessee cities for top earner optometrist salary (90th percentile: $173,333).
Top 10% optometrist compensation in Memphis ($173,333) is 3.48% below the Tennessee average P90 ($179,582).
2019 BLS Actual
$159,180
2025 BLS Actual
$168,350
2026 Current Est.
$173,333
2019–2027 Growth
+12.1%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Memphis (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $159,180 | Actual |
| 2020 | $167,170 | Actual |
| 2021 | $169,240 | Actual |
| 2022 | $209,020 | Actual |
| 2023 | $172,000 | Actual |
| 2024 | $171,020 | Actual |
| 2025 | $168,350 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $173,333 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $178,464 | Projected |
Top-earning optometrists (90th percentile) in Memphis saw their compensation grow 5.8% from $159,180 in 2019 to $168,350 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 $178,464 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Memphis 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 Memphis
Salary potential varies considerably based on the employment setting. Senior optometrists engaged in private practice—whether in solo or group settings—usually yield higher earnings compared to peers in retail optical chains like LensCrafters or Walmart Vision. Specializations such as managing ocular disease or offering sports vision services are particularly lucrative, often elevating pay beyond standard benchmarks. Furthermore, those who achieve advanced certifications and hold degrees from ACOE-accredited schools, along with obtaining residency training, are better positioned for leadership roles, which open pathways to significant ownership stakes or partnerships in multi-location practices. Additional non-salary compensation tools, such as practice equity or revenue-sharing arrangements with ophthalmology partners, can enhance overall earnings, making it essential for senior-level optometrists in TN to strategically focus on both professional development and their chosen practice environment.
More salary data for Memphis, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced optometrists make in Memphis in 2026?
What drives higher optometrist pay in Memphis?
What certifications boost optometrist salary in Memphis?
Can experienced optometrists make six figures in Memphis?
How much does optometrist salary increase over time in Memphis?
Related Pages
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Career Resources
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 $168,350 for optometrists in the Memphis 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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