Optometrist Salary in Canton, GA: $127,248 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Canton, GA earns a median $127,248/year (≈ $61.18/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Canton's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.1), that paycheck buys what $136,679 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.2% below the Georgia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, optometrists in Canton, Georgia, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $127,248, reflecting the strategic advantage of the OD/MD model in surgical co-management that enhances revenue opportunities. The salary range varies significantly, with the lower 10% earning around $73,804 and the top 90% achieving up to $184,891. These figures draw from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost factors, which provide a clear picture of local compensation dynamics. Even as salaries in Canton fall 9.5% below the national median of $140,612, there are still opportunities for growth and advancement within the market, particularly for optometrists engaged in collaborative care and those who capitalize on evolving practice efficiencies.
About the Canton Market
Salary estimated from Georgia average ($130,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,804 | $35.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $103,218 | $49.63 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $127,248 | $61.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $153,395 | $73.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $184,891 | $88.89 |
Median Salary Position
9.5% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Canton
In Canton, GA, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $111,087 (2026 est.). At $127,248, the local median is 9.5% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Canton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Canton Optometrist Pay Compares
Canton median: $127,248/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Canton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia Average | $134,228 | -5.20% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -9.50% less |
Optometrists in Canton, GA earn a median of $127,248 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.50% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 5.20% below the Georgia state average of $134,228.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Canton has a cost of living 6.90% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Canton, GA has a cost-of-living index of 93.1 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $127,248 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $136,679 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.41% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$104,296
2025 BLS Actual
$123,590
2026 Current Est.
$127,248
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Canton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $104,296 | Actual |
| 2020 | $106,830 | Actual |
| 2021 | $112,486 | Actual |
| 2022 | $113,654 | Actual |
| 2023 | $119,328 | Actual |
| 2024 | $114,718 | Actual |
| 2025 | $123,590 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $127,248 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $131,015 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Canton metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $104,296 (2019) to $123,590 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $131,015 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,719 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Canton 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) | $73,804 – $103,218 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $103,218 – $127,248 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $127,248 – $153,395 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $153,395 – $184,891 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Canton
Despite a modest employment level with only four optometrists in the Canton area, the local job market demonstrates stability in optometry due to consistent patient demand. The cost-of-living index stands at 93.1, indicating that expenses in Canton are relatively lower than the national average, allowing for better purchasing power among optometrists. Among various employers, private optometry practices typically offer competitive pay, particularly those following the OD/MD co-management model, while retail chains may provide lower earnings. Factors influencing salary variability include practice ownership equity, residency training in ocular disease, and potential bonuses from surgical referrals. For optometrists looking to maximize their earnings in Canton, building relationships with ophthalmologists and pursuing additional certifications can significantly enhance both salary potential and job satisfaction.
More salary data for Canton, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $123,590 for optometristsin the Canton 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 Canton 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