Average Optometrists Salary in Tennessee
Optometrists in Tennessee earn an average annual salary of $125,970, which is below the national average of $141,560. This difference in compensation can be attributed to various regional economic factors, including the overall demand for specialized healthcare professionals and the prevailing wage scales within the state's healthcare sector.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $125,970 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 7.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $174,710.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 590 optometrists and a Location Quotient of 0.66, Tennessee presents a market with slightly less concentration than the national average. This suggests a stable, albeit not exceptionally high, demand for optometrists within the state, indicating a solid job market for qualified professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Optometrists in Tennessee earns-11.0%below the national average.
$60.6
$2,423
$10,498
Optometrists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that optometrist salaries in Tennessee have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends in the healthcare industry. Factors such as increasing demand for eye care services and advancements in optometric technology likely contribute to this upward salary trajectory.
Optometrists Salary Distribution in Tennessee
Salary progression for optometrists in Tennessee typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior optometrists with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries, often reaching into the upper percentiles of the reported average.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $55,510 | $26.7 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $94,478 | $45.4 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $110,660 | $53.2 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $157,463 | $75.7 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $174,710 | $84 |
Detailed Optometrists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$125,970
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$139,347
Adjusted for COL (90.4)
The average annual salary of $125,970 in Tennessee is bolstered by a Cost of Living Index of 90.4, which is below the national average of 100. This means that the nominal salary offers a greater purchasing power locally compared to higher cost-of-living states, making the compensation more favorable in real terms.
Job Market Context
590
Total Jobs
0.18
Per 1K Jobs
0.66
Location Quotient
Tennessee has 0.66x 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 0.66 indicates that optometrists are less concentrated in Tennessee compared to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is established, the market may not be oversaturated, potentially offering good opportunities for new practitioners or those looking to relocate.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Optometrists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN Optometrists Salary | $128,010↑ 2% | 29 mi |
| Huntsville, AL Optometrists Salary | $127,620↑ 1% | 73 mi |
Comparing salaries near Tennessee
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Optometrists make in Tennessee?
The median annual salary for a Optometrists in Tennessee is $125,970. This typically ranges from $55,510 for entry-level positions to $174,710 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Tennessee is 11.0% lower than the national median of $141,560.
Is Tennessee a lucrative place for Optometrists?
Yes, with a caveat regarding the national average.Tennessee offers a competitive salary of $125,970, which is significantly enhanced by a cost of living below the national average. While the average salary is lower than the national figure, the reduced cost of living increases the effective purchasing power of optometrists in the state.
Is Tennessee a good place to live for Optometrists?
With a Cost of Living Index of 90.4 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near Tennessee?
Some top paying nearby cities include Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN ($128,010) and Huntsville, AL.
How does the Tennessee optometrist salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for optometrists in Tennessee is $125,970, which is approximately 11% lower than the national average of $141,560.
What is the concentration of optometrists in Tennessee?
Tennessee has a Location Quotient of 0.66 for optometrists, indicating a lower concentration of these professionals compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living in Tennessee affect an optometrist's salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 90.4, Tennessee is more affordable than the national average. This means that the $125,970 salary can provide a higher standard of living than the same salary might in a more expensive state.
What is the total number of optometrists employed in Tennessee?
There are approximately 590 optometrists employed within Tennessee, representing 0.18 jobs per 1,000 workers in 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 590 employees in the Tennessee area with a job density of 0.18 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Optometrists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Tennessee