Optometrist Salary in Sevierville, TN: $125,471 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Sevierville, TN earns a median $125,471/year (≈ $60.32/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Sevierville's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.8), that paycheck buys what $136,679 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.6% below the Tennessee state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Optometrists practicing in Sevierville, TN, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $125,471 in 2026, which reflects the growing responsibilities within the profession, including managing glaucoma and prescribing oral medications. Along with a salary range extending from $72,773 at the 10th percentile to $178,784 at the 90th percentile, these compensation figures are informed by BLS state-level data and adjusted for the local cost of living. Although this salary is somewhat lower compared to the national median of $140,612, it highlights the unique aspects of the local market. With five optometrists currently employed in Sevierville, the job market for these professionals remains stable, and local practices are evolving to meet increased patient care demands while adapting to economic conditions.
About the Sevierville Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,773 | $34.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $99,848 | $48.00 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $125,471 | $60.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $150,203 | $72.22 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $178,784 | $85.95 |
Median Salary Position
10.77% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Sevierville
In Sevierville, TN, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $106,011 (2026 est.). At $125,471, the local median is 10.77% below the national median of $140,612.
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At 40 hours/week in Sevierville: You'd be above the median
How Sevierville Optometrist Pay Compares
Sevierville median: $125,471/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Sevierville Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Average | $132,914 | -5.60% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -10.77% less |
Optometrists in Sevierville, TN earn a median of $125,471 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.77% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 5.60% below the Tennessee state average of $132,914.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Sevierville has a cost of living 8.20% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Sevierville, TN has a cost-of-living index of 91.8 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $125,471 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $136,679 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$102,840
2025 BLS Actual
$121,864
2026 Current Est.
$125,471
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Sevierville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $102,840 | Actual |
| 2020 | $105,338 | Actual |
| 2021 | $110,915 | Actual |
| 2022 | $112,066 | Actual |
| 2023 | $117,661 | Actual |
| 2024 | $110,935 | Actual |
| 2025 | $121,864 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $125,471 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $129,185 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Sevierville metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $102,840 (2019) to $121,864 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $129,185 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,345 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sevierville 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) | $72,773 – $99,848 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $99,848 – $125,471 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $125,471 – $150,203 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $150,203 – $178,784 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Sevierville
In terms of living standards, Sevierville's cost-of-living index stands at 91.8, suggesting that while optometrist pay in Sevierville, TN, falls below the national average, the purchasing power remains comparatively strong. Private optometry practices typically offer competitive wages, but retail chains like Visionworks and Walmart Vision could provide affordable alternatives for newer graduates or those without extensive experience. Factors influencing salary variations include ownership stakes in private practices, which can lead to higher earnings through profits and referrals, especially in OD/MD models that collaborate with ophthalmologists. Furthermore, residency-trained optometrists often command higher salaries due to their specialized skills. For those looking to maximize their earning potential, focusing on building a strong patient base, exploring practice ownership options, and staying abreast of evolving treatment modalities can be advantageous strategies in the Sevierville market.
More salary data for Sevierville, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can optometrists make $100K in Sevierville?
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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 $121,864 for optometristsin the Sevierville 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 Sevierville 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