Healthcare Chattanooga, TN Pop. 181,099

Optometrist Salary in Chattanooga, Tennessee

The median optometrist salary in Chattanooga, TN is $113,031 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 1.1% below the Tennessee state average.

City Median
$113,031
vs State Avg
$-1,256
vs National
$-12,559
Cost of Living
88%

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

Salary Percentiles in Chattanooga, TN

Percentile Chattanooga
10th Percentile $70,200
25th Percentile $90,000
Median (50th) $113,031
75th Percentile $142,200
90th Percentile $172,800

Optometrist Salary in Other Tennessee Cities

Nashville, TN
$128,102
Pop. 689,447
Murfreesboro, TN
$118,055
Pop. 152,769
Knoxville, TN
$113,031
Pop. 190,740
Memphis, TN
$110,519
Pop. 633,104

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.

Find Optometrist Jobs in Chattanooga

Browse open optometrist positions in Chattanooga, TN:

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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.