Optometrist Salary in Tallahassee, FL: $164,906 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Tallahassee, FL earns a median $164,906/year (≈ $79.28/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Tallahassee's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.8), that paycheck buys what $163,597 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.9% above the Florida state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Tallahassee, Florida, the projected median annual salary for optometrists in 2026 reaches $164,906, significantly higher than the national figure of $140,612. The salary range varies widely, with the lowest earners expected to make around $95,646, while the top earners could receive up to $255,604. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional price changes, reflect the evolving landscape of optometry in Florida. With an expanded scope of practice that includes glaucoma management, oral medications, and select laser procedures, optometrists in this region enjoy not only competitive compensation but also diverse career opportunities that contribute to a healthy job market.
About the Tallahassee Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($130,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $95,646 | $45.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $126,918 | $61.01 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $164,906 | $79.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $200,364 | $96.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $255,604 | $122.88 |
Median Salary Position
17.28% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Tallahassee
In Tallahassee, FL, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $159,958 (2026 est.). At $164,906, the local median is 17.28% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Tallahassee: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Tallahassee Optometrist Pay Compares
Tallahassee median: $164,906/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Tallahassee Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Florida Average | $161,831 | +1.90% more |
| National Average | $140,612 | +17.28% more |
Optometrists in Tallahassee, FL earn a median of $164,906 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.28% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 1.90% above the Florida state average of $161,831.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Tallahassee has a cost of living 0.80% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Tallahassee, FL has a cost-of-living index of 100.8 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $164,906 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $163,597 — a 0.79% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$118,660
2025 BLS Actual
$160,165
2026 Current Est.
$164,906
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Tallahassee (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $118,660 | Actual |
| 2020 | $120,970 | Actual |
| 2021 | $145,775 | Actual |
| 2022 | $147,288 | Actual |
| 2023 | $154,641 | Actual |
| 2024 | $133,563 | Actual |
| 2025 | $160,165 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $164,906 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $169,787 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Tallahassee metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 35.0% from $118,660 (2019) to $160,165 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $169,787 by 2027 — a total increase of $51,127 (43.09%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tallahassee metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.96% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $95,646 – $126,918 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $126,918 – $164,906 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $164,906 – $200,364 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $200,364 – $255,604 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Tallahassee
The local job market consists of approximately 40 optometrists employed in the Tallahassee area, indicating a stable demand for eye care professionals. The cost-of-living index, slightly above the national average at 100.8, suggests that while salaries are robust, purchasing power is somewhat moderated. Private practices tend to offer the best remuneration, especially those integrated with ophthalmology practices or focusing on ocular disease, while retail optical chains might provide more predictable hours but lower pay scales. Factors influencing the wide salary range include ownership stakes in practices, the working relationship with ophthalmologists, and the qualifications of the optometrists, such as residency training. To maximize pay in this market, professionals should consider seeking out opportunities in high-demand practices and exploring collaborative models with ophthalmologists that could enhance their earning potential while maintaining a steady patient base.
More salary data for Tallahassee, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $160,165 for optometristsin the Tallahassee metropolitan area. A 2.96% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Tallahassee is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.96%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for optometrists (SOC 29-1041).
Compiled and verified by Aisha Patel, OD, a licensed optometrist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov