Healthcare Tennessee (TN) Rank #34 of 50

Optometrist Salary in Tennessee

The median optometrist salary in Tennessee is $114,287 per year, which is 9% below the national median of $125,590.

Median Salary
$114,287
vs National
$-11,303
State Rank
#34 of 50
Cost of Living
89%

Optometrist Salary in Tennessee by Experience

In Tennessee, an entry-level optometrist earns around $74,620, while experienced professionals earn up to $161,980 per year. The cost of living index in Tennessee is 89% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$74,620
$-7,380 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$116,480
$-11,520 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$161,980
$-16,020 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Tennessee

Percentile TN Salary
10th Percentile $70,980
25th Percentile $91,000
Median (50th) $114,287
75th Percentile $143,780
90th Percentile $174,720

Optometrist Salary by City in Tennessee

The largest employment areas for optometrists in Tennessee include Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Nashville, TN
$128,102
Pop. 689,447 · COL 100%
Memphis, TN
$110,519
Pop. 633,104 · COL 86%
Knoxville, TN
$113,031
Pop. 190,740 · COL 88%
Chattanooga, TN
$113,031
Pop. 181,099 · COL 88%
Murfreesboro, TN
$118,055
Pop. 152,769 · COL 92%

How to Become a Optometrist in Tennessee

Education

Most optometrist positions require a doctoral degree. Tennessee has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Eye ExaminationRefractionContact Lens FittingOcular DiseasePatient EducationDiagnostic Equipment

Job Outlook in Tennessee

Nationally, optometrist employment is projected to grow 9% over the next decade (faster than average). Tennessee's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

Find Optometrist Jobs in Tennessee

Browse open optometrist positions in Tennessee:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Optometrist Salary in Tennessee

How much does a Optometrist make in Tennessee? ▼
The median optometrist salary in Tennessee is $114,287 per year, which is 9% below the national median of $125,590. Salaries range from $70,980 (10th percentile) to $174,720 (90th percentile).
How much does a Optometrist make per hour in Tennessee? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $114,287, a optometrist in Tennessee earns approximately $55 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Tennessee a good state for optometrists? ▼
Tennessee ranks #34 out of 50 states for optometrist pay. The cost of living index is 89% of the national average. Entry-level optometrists earn $74,620, while senior professionals earn $161,980.
How does Tennessee compare to other states for optometrist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for optometrists is Hawaii at $223,550. Tennessee's median of $114,287 ranks #34 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Louisiana ($114,287) and New Mexico ($114,287).
What is the entry-level optometrist salary in Tennessee? ▼
An entry-level optometrist in Tennessee earns approximately $74,620 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $116,480. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $161,980.
What city in Tennessee pays optometrists the most? ▼
Nashville is the highest paying city in Tennessee for optometrists, with a median salary of $128,102. Other cities include Memphis and Knoxville.