Senior Optometrist Salary in Mount Juliet, TN: $182,348 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of optometrists working in Mount Juliet, TN — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $182,348/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1041. Strip back Mount Juliet's price premium (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $198,636 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 Mount Juliet, Tennessee, the compensation landscape for experienced optometrists reveals significant earning potential, particularly for those distinguishing themselves in specialized areas. By 2026, optometrists at the 90th percentile are expected to command an impressive annual salary of $182,348, while those in the 75th percentile will see remuneration around $154,860. This salary range reflects a considerable gap between the median annual salary of $127,197, which serves as a benchmark for most practitioners. To join the ranks of top earners, optical professionals often pursue additional training in specialty fields such as ocular disease, pediatric optometry, and advanced contact lens fitting, as well as acquiring certifications that can enhance their service offerings and appeal to a broader patient base.
About the Mount Juliet Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Mount Juliet
Experienced optometrists at the top of the pay scale in Mount Juliet earn between $154,860 and $182,348 per year (2026 est.). This $107,665 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Mount Juliet median of $127,197 sits 9.54% below the US median.
Top OD Salary Comparison
| Level | Mount Juliet | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $127,197 | $140,612 |
| 75th Percentile | $154,860 | $170,008 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $182,348 | $208,165 |
In Mount Juliet, experienced optometrists (P90) earn 43.36% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Optometrist Pay in Mount Juliet
Advanced Certifications in Tennessee
TN optometrists with additional specialty certifications within the optometry field earn significantly above the $127,197 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Mount Juliet employers.
Specialty Focus
Optometrists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the optometry field in Mount Juliet command premium compensation, often reaching the $154,860–$182,348 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Mount Juliet metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced optometrists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured optometrists in Mount Juliet 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 Mount Juliet
Clinical Optometrist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Optometrist
5-10 yearsOptometrist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedMount Juliet ranks #17 of 30 Tennessee cities for top earner optometrist salary (90th percentile: $182,348).
Top 10% optometrist compensation in Mount Juliet ($182,348) is 1.54% above the Tennessee average P90 ($179,582).
2019 BLS Actual
$170,028
2025 BLS Actual
$177,106
2026 Current Est.
$182,348
2019–2027 Growth
+10.4%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Mount Juliet (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $170,028 | Actual |
| 2020 | $171,526 | Actual |
| 2021 | $168,530 | Actual |
| 2022 | $167,689 | Actual |
| 2023 | $178,788 | Actual |
| 2024 | $164,141 | Actual |
| 2025 | $177,106 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $182,348 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $187,746 | Projected |
Top-earning optometrists (90th percentile) in Mount Juliet saw their compensation grow 4.2% from $170,028 in 2019 to $177,106 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 $187,746 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Mount Juliet 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 Mount Juliet
Compensation factors significantly vary depending on the type of employer in Mount Juliet. Experienced optometrists working in private practices may find their salaries influenced by practice ownership equity and the potential income from surgical referrals in a collaborative OD/MD model. In contrast, those employed by retail chains like LensCrafters or Walmart Vision often encounter different compensation structures that may prioritize volume over specialization. Additionally, advanced credentials—such as completing a residency in ocular disease or obtaining a glaucoma certification—can further elevate pay levels in the senior optometrist rank, allowing for roles that include practice leadership or faculty positions in residency programs. As practices adapt to the evolving scope of optometry, leveraging these specialties and considering opportunities in varied settings becomes increasingly essential for maximizing salary potential, making strategic career moves critical in the pursuit of top optometrist salary in Mount Juliet.
More salary data for Mount Juliet, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced optometrists make in Mount Juliet in 2026?
What drives higher optometrist pay in Mount Juliet?
What certifications boost optometrist salary in Mount Juliet?
Can experienced optometrists make six figures in Mount Juliet?
How much does optometrist salary increase over time in Mount Juliet?
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 $177,106 for optometrists in the Mount Juliet 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 Mount Juliet 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