Memphis vs Mount Juliet: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Memphis, TN and Mount Juliet, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Memphis, TN | Mount Juliet, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $132,901▲ | $127,197 |
| Hourly Rate | $63.90▲ | $61.15 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,090 | $74,683▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $54,095 | $104,676▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $165,827▲ | $154,860 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $173,333 | $182,348▲ |
| Total Employed | 110▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Memphis, TN offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Mount Juliet.
The salary gap between Memphis and Mount Juliet is $5,704 (4.48%). Memphis's median is -5.48% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Memphis spans $123,243,Mount Juliet spans $107,665. Memphis has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Memphis ($144,177 effective) pays 4.05% more than Mount Juliet ($138,559 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Memphis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($132,901/year)
- ✓Larger job market (110 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $144,177)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Mount Juliet if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($182,348)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Memphis grew 35.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 9.9% growth in Mount Juliet over the same period.
Memphis, TN
$95,170 (2019) → $129,080 (2025)
Mount Juliet, TN
$112,461 (2024) → $123,540 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Memphis, TN
Mount Juliet, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Memphis or Mount Juliet?
What is the hourly rate difference between Memphis and Mount Juliet?
Should I relocate from Memphis to Mount Juliet as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Memphis vs Mount Juliet?
Written by Aisha Patel, OD
Career Analyst
Aisha Patel has 10 years of experience in optometry. She specializes in pediatric vision care. Aisha works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.96% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Aisha Patel, OD, a licensed optometrist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov