Optometrist Salary in Starkville, MS: $117,184 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Starkville, MS earns a median $117,184/year (≈ $56.34/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Starkville's price level (14% below national, BEA RPP 85.7), that paycheck buys what $136,737 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.8% below the Mississippi state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Optometrists in Starkville, MS, can expect a median annual salary of $117,184 in 2026, reflecting the local context and adjustments to cost of living based on BLS state-level data. The projected salary for optometrists ranges from $67,967 at the 10th percentile to $164,375 at the 90th percentile, indicating a promising but varied compensation landscape. Those involved in the OD/MD model of surgical co-management can enhance their earnings further through revenue-sharing agreements with ophthalmologists. Although the median salary in Starkville is notably lower than the national median of $140,612, the financial rewards still present an attractive option for both seasoned professionals and new graduates navigating the local job market.
About the Starkville Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($112,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,967 | $32.68 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $98,675 | $47.44 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $117,184 | $56.34 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $137,939 | $66.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $164,375 | $79.02 |
Median Salary Position
16.66% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Starkville
In Starkville, MS, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $96,408 (2026 est.). At $117,184, the local median is 16.66% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Starkville: You'd be above the median
How Starkville Optometrist Pay Compares
Starkville median: $117,184/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Starkville Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Average | $120,560 | -2.80% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -16.66% less |
Optometrists in Starkville, MS earn a median of $117,184 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.66% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 2.80% below the Mississippi state average of $120,560.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Starkville 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.
Starkville, MS has a cost-of-living index of 85.7 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $117,184 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $136,737 in an average-cost city — an effective 16.69% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$96,047
2025 BLS Actual
$113,815
2026 Current Est.
$117,184
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Starkville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $96,047 | Actual |
| 2020 | $98,381 | Actual |
| 2021 | $103,589 | Actual |
| 2022 | $104,664 | Actual |
| 2023 | $109,890 | Actual |
| 2024 | $93,339 | Actual |
| 2025 | $113,815 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $117,184 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $120,653 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Starkville metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $96,047 (2019) to $113,815 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $120,653 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,606 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Starkville 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) | $67,967 – $98,675 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $98,675 – $117,184 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $117,184 – $137,939 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $137,939 – $164,375 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Starkville
The local employment setting for optometrists in Starkville consists of five professionals, suggesting a compact market with potential job stability. With a cost of living index of 85.7, the economic environment allows for better purchasing power relative to many other cities. Establishments such as private optometry practices and ophthalmology clinics typically offer competitive pay, particularly for those who are residency-trained or involved in collaborative care models. The disparity in salaries stems from various factors, including practice ownership, differing models of care, and the specialization areas of optometrists. To maximize earnings within this market, optometrists should consider establishing strong referral networks, engaging in surgical co-management, and pursuing advanced training that enhances service offerings and patient care. Starkville presents unique opportunities for growth, making it essential for prospective optometrists to stay informed and adaptive to the evolving landscape of the field.
More salary data for Starkville, 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 $113,815 for optometristsin the Starkville 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 Starkville 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