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Optometrists Salary in Tennessee

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Optometrists make in Tennessee?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$134,170
Median Annual Salary
▲ +21.2% vs 2024
$120,920
Mean Salary
$134,170
Median Salary
$64.50
Hourly Rate
660 people work as Optometrists in Tennessee

Optometrists salary by percentile in Tennessee

BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).

Optometrists salary in Tennessee — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Optometrists in Tennessee.10thBottom 10% earn less than $47,630$47,63025th25% earn less than $63,510$63,510MedianHalf earn more than $134,170$134,17075th75% earn less than $160,150$160,15090thTop 10% earn more than $167,420$167,420

Optometrists in Tennessee earn a median salary of $134,170 per year ($11,180/month). This is 1.4% below the national average of $136,108. Tennessee ranks #30 out of 51 states for Optometrists pay. Approximately 660 people work in this occupation across Tennessee. Salaries increased by 21.2% compared to 2024.

About This Job: Optometrists

Diagnose, manage, and treat conditions and diseases of the human eye and visual system. Examine eyes and visual system, diagnose problems or impairments, prescribe corrective lenses, and provide treatment. May prescribe therapeutic drugs to treat specific eye conditions.

Top Skills

Reading Comprehension
4.12
Active Listening
4.12
Critical Thinking
4.12
Writing
4.0
Speaking
4.0

Key Knowledge Areas

Medicine and Dentistry
4.81
Biology
4.52
Customer and Personal Service
4.4
English Language
3.9
Mathematics
3.62
Typical Education: Doctoral Degree (95.2% of workers)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Optometrists in Tennessee

Salaries for Optometrists in Tennessee range from $47,630 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $167,420 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $63,510 and $160,150.

Median $134,170
P10: $47,630 P25: $63,510 P75: $160,150 P90: $167,420
10th
$47,630
25th
$63,510
Median
$134,170
75th
$160,150
90th
$167,420
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $47,630 $22.90 $3,969
25th Percentile $63,510 $30.53 $5,292
Median (50th) $134,170 $64.50 $11,180
75th Percentile $160,150 $77.00 $13,345
90th Percentile (Experienced) $167,420 $80.49 $13,951

Note: The mean (average) salary of $120,920 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#30
Tennessee ranks #30 of 51 states
$136,108
National avg. for Optometrists
-1.4%
vs. national average
Near Average

What does this salary really buy? See Optometrists salary in Tennessee adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Optometrists take-home pay in Tennessee after taxes →

Explore Optometrists Data in Tennessee

Optometrists Salary by State

Compare Optometrists pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Optometrists make in Tennessee?
The median annual salary for Optometrists in Tennessee is $134,170 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $120,920.
What is the salary range for a Optometrists in Tennessee?
Salaries for Optometrists in Tennessee range from $47,630 at the 10th percentile to $167,420 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $63,510 and $160,150.
What is the starting salary for a Optometrists in Tennessee?
Entry-level Optometrists positions in Tennessee typically start around $47,630 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $63,510 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Optometrists in Tennessee?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 660 people are employed as Optometrists in Tennessee.
What is the hourly rate for a Optometrists in Tennessee?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Optometrists in Tennessee is approximately $64.50 per hour.

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Data Source & Methodology

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.

Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

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