Healthcare Hattiesburg, MS Pop. 48,728

Optometrist Salary in Hattiesburg, Mississippi

The median optometrist salary in Hattiesburg, MS is $97,960 per year, which is 22% below the national median and 3.7% below the Mississippi state average.

City Median
$97,960
vs State Avg
$-3,768
vs National
$-27,630
Cost of Living
80%

Optometrist Pay in Hattiesburg: What to Expect (2026)

Hattiesburg offers a median optometrist salary of $97,960, which is $3,768 below the Mississippi state average of $101,728. Compared to the national median of $125,590, Hattiesburg pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Hattiesburg's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 80% of the national average. This means the $97,960 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $122,450 in an average-cost city. This makes Hattiesburg an attractive option for optometrists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for optometrists in Hattiesburg spans from $60,840 at the 10th percentile to $149,760 at the 90th percentile — a $88,920 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $63,960, while senior optometrists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $138,840. Hattiesburg is a smaller market (pop. 48,728), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Optometrist Salary in Hattiesburg by Experience

In Hattiesburg, an entry-level optometrist earns around $63,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $138,840 per year. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$63,960
$-18,040 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$99,840
$-28,160 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$138,840
$-39,160 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Hattiesburg, MS

Percentile Hattiesburg
10th Percentile $60,840
25th Percentile $78,000
Median (50th) $97,960
75th Percentile $123,240
90th Percentile $149,760

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
Gulfport, MS
$100,472
Pop. 72,926

How to Become a Optometrist in Hattiesburg

Education

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

Find Optometrist Jobs in Hattiesburg

Browse open optometrist positions in Hattiesburg, MS:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Optometrist Salary in Hattiesburg

How much does a Optometrist make in Hattiesburg, MS? ▼
The median optometrist salary in Hattiesburg, Mississippi is $97,960 per year, which is 22% below the national median of $125,590. Salaries range from $60,840 (10th percentile) to $149,760 (90th percentile).
How much does a Optometrist make per hour in Hattiesburg? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $97,960, a optometrist in Hattiesburg earns approximately $47 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Hattiesburg compare to the Mississippi state average for optometrist pay? ▼
Hattiesburg's median optometrist salary of $97,960 is 3.7% below the Mississippi state average of $101,728. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Hattiesburg, MS? ▼
Hattiesburg has a cost of living index of 80% compared to the national average. This means a optometrist salary of $97,960 in Hattiesburg has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a optometrist in Hattiesburg? ▼
Most optometrist positions in Hattiesburg 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.