Optometrist Salary in Athens, GA
How much does a optometrist make in Athens? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Athens's cost of living.
Salary Breakdown by Experience Level
See how optometrist salaries break down across different pay periods in Athens.
| Period | Entry Level | Median | Senior |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual | $66,546 | $110,021 | $150,836 |
| Monthly | $5,546 | $9,168 | $12,570 |
| Biweekly | $2,559 | $4,232 | $5,801 |
| Weekly | $1,280 | $2,116 | $2,901 |
| Hourly | $32 | $53 | $73 |
Athens vs National Average
How Athens's optometrist salaries compare to national figures.
Cost of Living in Athens
About Optometrist
Overview
Perform eye exams and prescribe corrective lenses and treatments.
Education
Doctor of Optometry (OD); licensure required
Key Skills
Growth Rate
Expected job growth: +14% over the next decade
Compare Cities: Optometrist Salary
See Optometrist salaries in other top cities.
Financial Tools to Explore
Use these Pulsafi calculators to understand your finances based on a optometrist salary in Athens.
Salary Breakdown Calculator
See exactly how your salary breaks down into taxes and take-home pay.
Cost of Living Calculator
Understand your expenses and purchasing power in Athens.
Budget Calculator
Create a personalized budget based on your income and expenses.
Rent vs Buy Calculator
Compare the true costs of renting versus buying in Athens.
Optometrist Salary in Athens, GA — Complete Guide
Median Salary Overview
The median salary for a optometrist in Athens, GA is $110,021 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 95. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Athens's unique economic conditions.
Salary Range and Experience Levels
Entry-level optometrist professionals in Athens can expect to earn around $66,546 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level optometrists earning approximately $150,836 per year. This represents a 127% increase from entry to senior level.
Cost of Living Adjustment
Athens's cost of living index of 95 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Athens are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $128,680, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.
Housing and Affordability
A significant portion of a optometrist's salary in Athens typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,100 per month, housing represents about 12.0% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.
Career Growth and Opportunities
Optometrists are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 14% over the next decade. In Athens, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.