Healthcare Southaven, MS Pop. 55,026

Optometrist Salary in Southaven, Mississippi

The median optometrist salary in Southaven, MS is $102,984 per year, which is 18% below the national median and 1.2% above the Mississippi state average.

City Median
$102,984
vs State Avg
+$1,256
vs National
$-22,606
Cost of Living
84%

Optometrist Pay in Southaven: What to Expect (2026)

Southaven offers a median optometrist salary of $102,984, which is $1,256 above the Mississippi state average of $101,728. Compared to the national median of $125,590, Southaven pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Southaven's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 84% of the national average. This means the $102,984 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $122,600 in an average-cost city. This makes Southaven an attractive option for optometrists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for optometrists in Southaven spans from $63,960 at the 10th percentile to $157,440 at the 90th percentile — a $93,480 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $67,240, while senior optometrists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $145,960. Southaven is a smaller market (pop. 55,026), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Optometrist Salary in Southaven by Experience

In Southaven, an entry-level optometrist earns around $67,240, while experienced professionals earn up to $145,960 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$67,240
$-14,760 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$104,960
$-23,040 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$145,960
$-32,040 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Southaven, MS

Percentile Southaven
10th Percentile $63,960
25th Percentile $82,000
Median (50th) $102,984
75th Percentile $129,560
90th Percentile $157,440

Optometrist Salary in Other Mississippi Cities

Jackson, MS
$104,240
Pop. 153,701
Biloxi, MS
$101,728
Pop. 46,212
Gulfport, MS
$100,472
Pop. 72,926
Hattiesburg, MS
$97,960
Pop. 48,728

How to Become a Optometrist in Southaven

Education

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

Find Optometrist Jobs in Southaven

Browse open optometrist positions in Southaven, MS:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Optometrist Salary in Southaven

How much does a Optometrist make in Southaven, MS? ▼
The median optometrist salary in Southaven, Mississippi is $102,984 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $125,590. Salaries range from $63,960 (10th percentile) to $157,440 (90th percentile).
How much does a Optometrist make per hour in Southaven? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $102,984, a optometrist in Southaven earns approximately $50 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Southaven compare to the Mississippi state average for optometrist pay? ▼
Southaven's median optometrist salary of $102,984 is 1.2% above the Mississippi state average of $101,728. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Southaven, MS? ▼
Southaven has a cost of living index of 84% compared to the national average. This means a optometrist salary of $102,984 in Southaven has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a optometrist in Southaven? ▼
Most optometrist positions in Southaven 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.