Optometrist Salary in Madison, MS: $118,858 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Madison, MS earns a median $118,858/year (≈ $57.14/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Madison's price level (14% below national, BEA RPP 85.7), that paycheck buys what $138,691 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.4% below the Mississippi state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, optometrist salaries in Madison, Mississippi, are projected to reach a median annual amount of $118,858, which reflects the ongoing structural choices within the local market for eye care professionals. The range of earnings for optometrists can vary significantly, with entry-level positions earning around $68,938 and more experienced practitioners potentially making as much as $166,115. These figures, based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional cost considerations, highlight the varying dynamics present in the sector. Factors such as practice ownership, whether employed in private settings or retail chains, can heavily influence compensation. Given these variations, prospective optometrists need to assess local job opportunities carefully to maximize their earning potential in Madison.
About the Madison Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($112,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,938 | $33.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $99,517 | $47.85 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $118,858 | $57.14 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $139,269 | $66.95 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $166,115 | $79.87 |
Median Salary Position
15.47% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Madison
In Madison, MS, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $97,177 (2026 est.). At $118,858, the local median is 15.47% below the national median of $140,612.
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At 40 hours/week in Madison: You'd be above the median
How Madison Optometrist Pay Compares
Madison median: $118,858/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Madison Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Average | $120,546 | -1.40% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -15.47% less |
Optometrists in Madison, MS earn a median of $118,858 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.47% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 1.40% below the Mississippi state average of $120,546.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Madison has a cost of living 14.30% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Madison, MS has a cost-of-living index of 85.7 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $118,858 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $138,691 in an average-cost city — an effective 16.69% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$97,419
2025 BLS Actual
$115,441
2026 Current Est.
$118,858
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Madison (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $97,419 | Actual |
| 2020 | $99,786 | Actual |
| 2021 | $105,069 | Actual |
| 2022 | $106,160 | Actual |
| 2023 | $111,460 | Actual |
| 2024 | $94,672 | Actual |
| 2025 | $115,441 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $118,858 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $122,376 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Madison metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $97,419 (2019) to $115,441 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $122,376 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,957 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Madison 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) | $68,938 – $99,517 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $99,517 – $118,858 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $118,858 – $139,269 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $139,269 – $166,115 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Madison
The job market for optometrists in Madison is relatively limited, with only five professionals currently employed, which may contribute to some competitive pressure for practitioners entering the field. The cost-of-living index of 85.7 indicates that while salaries may fall short of the national average, they may still afford a comfortable lifestyle in this area. Private practices, especially those with ophthalmology collaborations, tend to offer higher compensation compared to retail optical chains like Walmart Vision or LensCrafters. The disparity in wages can also stem from the choice between different practice models; equity in ownership, advanced residency training, and engagement in specialized areas of patient care affect earning potential. Those looking to increase their optometrist pay in Madison, MS, may benefit from pursuing advanced training options and considering affiliations with practices that utilize a collaborative care model to enhance their income through additional revenue streams.
More salary data for Madison, MS:
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 $115,441 for optometristsin the Madison 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 Madison 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