Optometrist Salary in Chattanooga, TN: $113,031 (2026)

Optometrist Pay in Chattanooga: What to Expect (2026)

Chattanooga offers a median optometrist salary of $113,031, which is $1,256 below the Tennessee state average of $114,287. Compared to the national median of $125,590, Chattanooga pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Chattanooga's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $113,031 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $128,444 in an average-cost city. This makes Chattanooga an attractive option for optometrists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for optometrists in Chattanooga spans from $70,200 at the 10th percentile to $172,800 at the 90th percentile — a $102,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $73,800, while senior optometrists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $160,200. With a population of 181,099, Chattanooga is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Optometrist Salary in Chattanooga by Experience

In Chattanooga, an entry-level optometrist earns around $73,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $160,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$73,800

$-8,200 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$115,200

$-12,800 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$160,200

$-17,800 vs national

Percentile	Chattanooga	TN State	National
10th Percentile	$70,200	$70,980	$78,000
25th Percentile	$90,000	$91,000	$100,000
Median (50th)	$113,031	$114,287	$125,590
75th Percentile	$142,200	$143,780	$158,000
90th Percentile	$172,800	$174,720	$192,000

Percentile

Chattanooga

10th Percentile

$70,200

25th Percentile

$90,000

Median (50th)

$113,031

75th Percentile

$142,200

90th Percentile

$172,800

How to Become a Optometrist in Chattanooga

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Optometrist Salary in Chattanooga

How much does a Optometrist make in Chattanooga, TN? ▼

The median optometrist salary in Chattanooga, Tennessee is $113,031 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $125,590. Salaries range from $70,200 (10th percentile) to $172,800 (90th percentile).

How much does a Optometrist make per hour in Chattanooga? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $113,031, a optometrist in Chattanooga earns approximately $54 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Chattanooga compare to the Tennessee state average for optometrist pay? ▼

Chattanooga's median optometrist salary of $113,031 is 1.1% below the Tennessee state average of $114,287. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Chattanooga, TN? ▼

Chattanooga has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a optometrist salary of $113,031 in Chattanooga has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a optometrist in Chattanooga? ▼

Most optometrist positions in Chattanooga 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.

Optometrist Salary in Chattanooga, Tennessee