Optometrists pay in Tennessee
In Tennessee, the median pay for optometrists is $64.51 an hour ($134,170 a year). About 660 people work in this job there.
That is 2% lower than the U.S. median ($136,570). Tennessee ranks 30th of 51 states and territories for this job’s median pay.
Pay range for optometrists in Tennessee
| Earns more than | Hourly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|
| 10% of workers | $22.90 | $47,630 |
| 25% of workers | $30.53 | $63,510 |
| Half of workers (median) | $64.51 | $134,170 |
| 75% of workers | $77.00 | $160,150 |
| 90% of workers | $80.49 | $167,420 |
Optometrists pay in Tennessee metro areas
| Metro area | Median yearly pay | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Kingsport-Bristol | $150,420 | 50 |
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin | $144,260 | 180 |
| Clarksville | $132,200 | 30 |
| Memphis | $129,080 | 110 |
| Chattanooga | $126,600 | 60 |
| Knoxville | $125,090 | 80 |
| Johnson City | $115,210 | 30 |
Tennessee unemployment rate: 3.4% (August 2026), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Education, experience and outlook for optometrists
- Typical education to start: Doctoral or professional degree (BLS)
- Related work experience most have: None (O*NET)
- Job outlook: +9.5% over ten years, much faster than average · about 2,000 openings a year (BLS)
Related jobs in Tennessee
| Job | Median yearly pay |
|---|---|
| Physicians, All Other | $301,290 |
| Ophthalmic Medical Technicians | $38,890 |
| General Internal Medicine Physicians | $232,220 |
| Chiropractors | $83,990 |
| Registered Nurses | $81,500 |
| Pharmacists | $133,390 |
| Physical Therapists | $100,140 |
| Respiratory Therapists | $72,140 |
Other job titles for this job
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Post a job freeFind jobsCheck pay for any jobSource: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates. Figures are for wage and salary workers and do not include the self-employed. The median is the middle wage: half earn more, half earn less. Other job titles: O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. JAI Bot has modified this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.