Optometrist Salary in Tennessee
Optometrist pay in Tennessee, explained
Optometrists in Tennessee earn a median of $134,170 per year ($64.51 per hour), which is 2% below the national median of $136,570. Entry-level workers earn around $47,630, while the most experienced optometrists reach about $167,420. Pay varies by employer, setting, and metro area within Tennessee.
Is $134,170 good pay in Tennessee?
Adjusted for Tennessee's cost of living (which runs 92% of the U.S. average), that $134,170 is worth about $146,043 in national buying power — ranking Tennessee #19 for real pay (vs #30 on the sticker number).
Optometrist pay by experience in Tennessee
Optometrist pay in neighboring states
| State | Median / yr | Real pay | vs TN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee (here) | $134,170 | $146,043 | — |
| North Carolina | $161,560 | $171,278 | −$27,390 |
| Alabama | $145,090 | $163,347 | −$10,920 |
| Missouri | $133,810 | $147,340 | +$360 |
| Virginia | $131,570 | $130,133 | +$2,600 |
| Kentucky | $128,860 | $142,925 | +$5,310 |
| Georgia | $128,830 | $133,790 | +$5,340 |
| Arkansas | $124,470 | $143,173 | +$9,700 |
| Mississippi | $108,070 | $124,286 | +$26,100 |
Optometrist in Tennessee: FAQ
How much do optometrists make in Tennessee?
Optometrists in Tennessee earn a median of $134,170 per year ($64.51 per hour), compared with $136,570 nationally.
Does Tennessee pay optometrists well?
At $134,170, Tennessee pays 2% below the national median for optometrists. An estimated 660 work in the state.