Healthcare Columbus, GA Pop. 206,922

Optometrist Salary in Columbus, Georgia

The median optometrist salary in Columbus, GA is $108,007 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 7.5% below the Georgia state average.

City Median
$108,007
vs State Avg
$-8,792
vs National
$-17,583
Cost of Living
86%

Optometrist Pay in Columbus: What to Expect (2026)

Columbus offers a median optometrist salary of $108,007, which is $8,792 below the Georgia state average of $116,799. Compared to the national median of $125,590, Columbus pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Columbus's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $108,007 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $125,590 in an average-cost city. This makes Columbus an attractive option for optometrists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for optometrists in Columbus spans from $67,080 at the 10th percentile to $165,120 at the 90th percentile — a $98,040 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $70,520, while senior optometrists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $153,080. With a population of 206,922, Columbus is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Optometrist Salary in Columbus by Experience

In Columbus, an entry-level optometrist earns around $70,520, while experienced professionals earn up to $153,080 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$70,520
$-11,480 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$110,080
$-17,920 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$153,080
$-24,920 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbus, GA

Percentile Columbus
10th Percentile $67,080
25th Percentile $86,000
Median (50th) $108,007
75th Percentile $135,880
90th Percentile $165,120

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
Augusta, GA
$110,519
Pop. 202,081

How to Become a Optometrist in Columbus

Education

Most optometrist positions require a doctoral degree. Columbus 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 Columbus may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Optometrist Jobs in Columbus

Browse open optometrist positions in Columbus, GA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Optometrist Salary in Columbus

How much does a Optometrist make in Columbus, GA? ▼
The median optometrist salary in Columbus, Georgia is $108,007 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $125,590. Salaries range from $67,080 (10th percentile) to $165,120 (90th percentile).
How much does a Optometrist make per hour in Columbus? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $108,007, a optometrist in Columbus earns approximately $52 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbus compare to the Georgia state average for optometrist pay? ▼
Columbus's median optometrist salary of $108,007 is 7.5% below the Georgia state average of $116,799. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Columbus, GA? ▼
Columbus has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a optometrist salary of $108,007 in Columbus has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a optometrist in Columbus? ▼
Most optometrist positions in Columbus 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.