Average Optometrists Salary in Mississippi
Optometrists in Mississippi earn an average annual salary of $127,920, which is below the national average of $141,560. This difference can be attributed to a combination of factors, including the state's specific economic landscape and the overall demand for specialized healthcare professionals within Mississippi.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $127,920 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 9.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $227,540.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 250 Optometrists and a Location Quotient of 0.81, Mississippi presents a moderately concentrated but stable job market for this profession. The number of jobs per 1,000 workers, at 0.219, indicates a consistent, albeit not exceptionally high, demand for eye care services across the state.
Salary Overview
The average Optometrists in Mississippi earns-9.6%below the national average.
$61.5
$2,460
$10,660
Optometrists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that Optometrist salaries in Mississippi have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is likely driven by increasing healthcare needs, technological advancements in optometry, and a general rise in the cost of living, pushing compensation upwards.
Optometrists Salary Distribution in Mississippi
Salary progression for Optometrists in Mississippi typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience can command significantly higher salaries, often reaching into the upper percentiles. These percentile gaps clearly signify the career advancement and earning potential available within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $58,860 | $28.3 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $95,940 | $46.1 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $107,600 | $51.7 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $159,900 | $76.9 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $227,540 | $109.4 |
Detailed Optometrists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$127,920
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$147,543
Adjusted for COL (86.7)
The average Optometrist salary of $127,920 in Mississippi offers substantial purchasing power, especially when contrasted with the state's Cost of Living Index of 86.7, which is notably lower than the national average of 100. This means that the nominal salary can translate into a higher effective standard of living for eye care professionals residing in Mississippi.
Job Market Context
250
Total Jobs
0.219
Per 1K Jobs
0.81
Location Quotient
Mississippi has 0.81x 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.
A Location Quotient of 0.81 suggests that Optometrists are slightly less concentrated in Mississippi compared to the national average. This indicates that while the profession is established, there may be opportunities for growth and less intense competition than in areas with a higher concentration, potentially benefiting those seeking employment.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Optometrists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Jackson, MS Optometrists Salary | $124,480↓ 3% | 43 mi |
Comparing salaries near Mississippi
Hiring Optometristss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Optometrists make in Mississippi?
The median annual salary for a Optometrists in Mississippi is $127,920. This typically ranges from $58,860 for entry-level positions to $227,540 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Mississippi is 9.6% lower than the national median of $141,560.
Is Mississippi a lucrative place for Optometrists?
Yes, especially considering the cost of living.While the average salary is below the national average, Mississippi's lower cost of living index means that $127,920 provides a strong standard of living. The market is stable with consistent demand.
Is Mississippi a good place to live for Optometrists?
With a Cost of Living Index of 86.7 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near Mississippi?
Some top paying nearby cities include Jackson, MS ($124,480) and others.
How does Mississippi's cost of living affect Optometrist salaries?
Mississippi's cost of living is 13.3% lower than the national average. This makes the $127,920 average salary for Optometrists go further, increasing the effective purchasing power and standard of living compared to higher cost-of-living states.
What is the concentration of Optometrists in Mississippi?
The Location Quotient of 0.81 indicates that Optometrists are slightly less concentrated in Mississippi than the national average. This suggests a potentially less saturated job market.
How many Optometrists are there in Mississippi?
There are approximately 250 Optometrists working in Mississippi, representing a stable workforce within the state's healthcare sector.
Are there many job openings for Optometrists in Mississippi?
With 0.219 jobs per 1,000 workers, the demand for Optometrists in Mississippi is consistent, indicating a steady, though not exceptionally high, number of opportunities within the state.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 250 employees in the Mississippi area with a job density of 0.219 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Optometrists Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Mississippi
- All Occupations Salary in Mississippi
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Mississippi
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Mississippi
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Mississippi
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Mississippi
- Production Occupations Salary in Mississippi
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Mississippi
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Mississippi
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations Salary in Mississippi
- Management Occupations Salary in Mississippi
- Browse All Jobs in Mississippi →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Optometrists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Mississippi