Optometrist Salary in Tennessee
Based on 660+ workers in Tennessee
Data year: 2025 · Last updated: October 2026
Median Annual Salary (TN)
$134,170
$64.50/hr
vs National Average
$136,108
-1.4% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$48K – $167K
660 employed in Tennessee
Salary Distribution — Optometrist in Tennessee
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $47,630 |
| 25th percentile | $63,510 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $134,170 |
| 75th percentile | $160,150 |
| 90th percentile | $167,420 |
Top-Paying Industries for Optometrist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Optometrists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Optometrists in Tennessee tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $166,410 | 60 |
| Administrative and Support Services | $160,100 | — |
| Retail Trade | $159,250 | 6K |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $134,370 | 36K |
| Educational Services | $124,280 | 110 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Optometrist in Tennessee vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Tennessee) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $98,330 |
| 2023 | $107,510 |
| 2024 | $110,660 |
| 2025 | $134,170 |
| 2026 (projected) | $142,220 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Tennessee Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $98,330 | $121,162 |
| 2023 | $107,510 | $129,589 |
| 2024 | $110,660 | $131,624 |
| 2025 | $134,170 | $136,108 |
| 2026 (projected) | $142,220 | $144,274 |
Optometrist Salary by Experience Level in Tennessee
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $63,510 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $134,170 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $160,150 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $167,420 |
Optometrist Salary in Other States
Related Optometrist Salaries in Tennessee
How other high-demand occupations in Tennessee compare to Optometrist ($134,170 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Optometrist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiologist in TN | $610,080 | +354.7% | $293.31/hr |
| Surgeon in TN | $373,510 | +178.4% | $179.57/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in TN | $354,580 | +164.3% | $170.47/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in TN | $330,620 | +146.4% | $158.95/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in TN | $232,220 | +73.1% | $111.64/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in TN | $226,830 | +69.1% | $109.05/hr |
| Dentist in TN | $215,290 | +60.5% | $103.50/hr |
| Psychiatrist in TN | $214,880 | +60.2% | $103.31/hr |
| Podiatrist in TN | $212,470 | +58.4% | $102.15/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in TN | $211,450 | +57.6% | $101.66/hr |
| Pediatrician in TN | $176,210 | +31.3% | $84.72/hr |
| Pharmacist in TN | $133,390 | -0.6% | $64.13/hr |