Average Optometrists Salary in Chattanooga, TN-GA
The average salary for Optometristss in Chattanooga, TN-GA is $118,420. While this is lower than the national average, the cost of living in Chattanooga, TN-GA may offset the difference, preserving real purchasing power.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $118,420 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 11.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $164,980.
- Outlook: The current demand for Optometristss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 50 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Chattanooga, TN-GA economy.
Salary Overview
The average Optometrists in Chattanooga, TN-GA earns-16.3%below the national average.
$56.9
$2,277
$9,868
Optometrists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Optometrists salaries in Chattanooga, TN-GA have shown healthy growth of 11.5%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Optometrists Salary Distribution in Chattanooga, TN-GA
The earning potential for Optometristss in Chattanooga, TN-GA varies significantly by experience level. There is a substantial income gap, with top earners (90th percentile) making over 3.4x the starting salary. This indicates strong career progression opportunities. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $48,570, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $164,980.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $48,570 | $23.4 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $88,815 | $42.7 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $108,920 | $52.4 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $148,025 | $71.2 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $164,980 | $79.3 |
Detailed Optometrists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$118,420
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$118,420
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Chattanooga, TN-GA, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $118,420 to $118,420.
Job Market Context
50
Total Jobs
0.191
Per 1K Jobs
0.7
Location Quotient
Chattanooga, TN-GA has 0.70x the national average concentration of Optometrists jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
50 people work as Optometrists in Chattanooga, TN-GA.
Only 0.191 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Optometrists roles — this is a niche profession in the area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Optometrists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Huntsville, AL Optometrists Salary | $127,620↑ 8% | 83 mi |
Comparing salaries near Chattanooga, TN-GA
Hiring Optometristss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Optometrists make in Chattanooga, TN-GA?
The median annual salary for a Optometrists in Chattanooga, TN-GA is $118,420. This typically ranges from $48,570 for entry-level positions to $164,980 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Chattanooga, TN-GA is 16.3% lower than the national median of $141,560.
Is Chattanooga, TN-GA a good place for Optometristss?
It depends on your priorities. While the average Optometrists salary in Chattanooga, TN-GA is $118,420 (below the national average), the area may offer a lower cost of living or other lifestyle benefits typical of Chattanooga, TN-GA. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Chattanooga, TN-GA a good place to live for Optometrists?
The Cost of Living Index in Chattanooga, TN-GA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Chattanooga, TN-GA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Huntsville, AL ($127,620) and others.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 50 employees in the Chattanooga, TN-GA area with a job density of 0.191 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Optometrists Salaries by State
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Optometrists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Chattanooga, TN-GA