Healthcare Gulfport, MS Pop. 72,926

Optometrist Salary in Gulfport, Mississippi

The median optometrist salary in Gulfport, MS is $100,472 per year, which is 20% below the national median and 1.2% below the Mississippi state average.

City Median
$100,472
vs State Avg
$-1,256
vs National
$-25,118
Cost of Living
82%

Optometrist Pay in Gulfport: What to Expect (2026)

Gulfport offers a median optometrist salary of $100,472, which is $1,256 below the Mississippi state average of $101,728. Compared to the national median of $125,590, Gulfport pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Gulfport's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 82% of the national average. This means the $100,472 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $122,527 in an average-cost city. This makes Gulfport an attractive option for optometrists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for optometrists in Gulfport spans from $62,400 at the 10th percentile to $153,600 at the 90th percentile — a $91,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $65,600, while senior optometrists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $142,400. Gulfport is a smaller market (pop. 72,926), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Optometrist Salary in Gulfport by Experience

In Gulfport, an entry-level optometrist earns around $65,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $142,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$65,600
$-16,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$102,400
$-25,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$142,400
$-35,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Gulfport, MS

Percentile Gulfport
10th Percentile $62,400
25th Percentile $80,000
Median (50th) $100,472
75th Percentile $126,400
90th Percentile $153,600

Optometrist Salary in Other Mississippi Cities

Jackson, MS
$104,240
Pop. 153,701
Southaven, MS
$102,984
Pop. 55,026
Biloxi, MS
$101,728
Pop. 46,212
Hattiesburg, MS
$97,960
Pop. 48,728

How to Become a Optometrist in Gulfport

Education

Most optometrist positions require a doctoral degree. Gulfport and the surrounding Mississippi 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 Gulfport may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Optometrist Jobs in Gulfport

Browse open optometrist positions in Gulfport, MS:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Optometrist Salary in Gulfport

How much does a Optometrist make in Gulfport, MS? ▼
The median optometrist salary in Gulfport, Mississippi is $100,472 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $125,590. Salaries range from $62,400 (10th percentile) to $153,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a Optometrist make per hour in Gulfport? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $100,472, a optometrist in Gulfport earns approximately $48 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Gulfport compare to the Mississippi state average for optometrist pay? ▼
Gulfport's median optometrist salary of $100,472 is 1.2% below the Mississippi state average of $101,728. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Gulfport, MS? ▼
Gulfport has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a optometrist salary of $100,472 in Gulfport has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a optometrist in Gulfport? ▼
Most optometrist positions in Gulfport 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.