Healthcare Augusta, GA Pop. 202,081

Optometrist Salary in Augusta, Georgia

The median optometrist salary in Augusta, GA is $110,519 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 5.4% below the Georgia state average.

City Median
$110,519
vs State Avg
$-6,280
vs National
$-15,071
Cost of Living
88%

Optometrist Pay in Augusta: What to Expect (2026)

Augusta offers a median optometrist salary of $110,519, which is $6,280 below the Georgia state average of $116,799. Compared to the national median of $125,590, Augusta pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Augusta's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $110,519 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $125,590 in an average-cost city. This makes Augusta an attractive option for optometrists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for optometrists in Augusta spans from $68,640 at the 10th percentile to $168,960 at the 90th percentile — a $100,320 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $72,160, while senior optometrists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $156,640. With a population of 202,081, Augusta is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Optometrist Salary in Augusta by Experience

In Augusta, an entry-level optometrist earns around $72,160, while experienced professionals earn up to $156,640 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$72,160
$-9,840 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$112,640
$-15,360 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$156,640
$-21,360 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Augusta, GA

Percentile Augusta
10th Percentile $68,640
25th Percentile $88,000
Median (50th) $110,519
75th Percentile $139,040
90th Percentile $168,960

Optometrist Salary in Other Georgia Cities

Atlanta, GA
$128,102
Pop. 498,715
Savannah, GA
$115,543
Pop. 147,780
Athens, GA
$113,031
Pop. 127,064
Columbus, GA
$108,007
Pop. 206,922

How to Become a Optometrist in Augusta

Education

Most optometrist positions require a doctoral degree. Augusta and the surrounding Georgia area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Eye ExaminationRefractionContact Lens FittingOcular DiseasePatient EducationDiagnostic Equipment

Job Outlook

Nationally, optometrist employment is projected to grow 9% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Augusta may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Optometrist Jobs in Augusta

Browse open optometrist positions in Augusta, GA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Optometrist Salary in Augusta

How much does a Optometrist make in Augusta, GA? ▼
The median optometrist salary in Augusta, Georgia is $110,519 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $125,590. Salaries range from $68,640 (10th percentile) to $168,960 (90th percentile).
How much does a Optometrist make per hour in Augusta? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $110,519, a optometrist in Augusta earns approximately $53 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Augusta compare to the Georgia state average for optometrist pay? ▼
Augusta's median optometrist salary of $110,519 is 5.4% below the Georgia state average of $116,799. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Augusta, GA? ▼
Augusta has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a optometrist salary of $110,519 in Augusta has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a optometrist in Augusta? ▼
Most optometrist positions in Augusta require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Eye Examination, Refraction, Contact Lens Fitting, Ocular Disease. The job market is projected to grow 9% nationally over the next decade.