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Optometrist Salary in Hattiesburg, MS

How much does a optometrist make in Hattiesburg? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Hattiesburg's cost of living.

Median Salary
$91,337
per year in Hattiesburg
Entry Level
$55,244
Starting salary
Senior Level
$125,220
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
91
9% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how optometrist salaries break down across different pay periods in Hattiesburg.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$55,244$91,337$125,220
Monthly$4,604$7,611$10,435
Biweekly$2,125$3,513$4,816
Weekly$1,062$1,756$2,408
Hourly$27$44$60

Hattiesburg vs National Average

How Hattiesburg's optometrist salaries compare to national figures.

Hattiesburg Salary
$91,337
COL Index: 91
National Average
$128,680
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$37,343
Lower in Hattiesburg

Cost of Living in Hattiesburg

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,100
per month
Median Income
$47,234
per year
Population
51,271
residents
Rent % of Income
27.9%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 91 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Hattiesburg have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Optometrist

Overview

Perform eye exams and prescribe corrective lenses and treatments.

Education

Doctor of Optometry (OD); licensure required

Key Skills

Eye ExaminationLens PrescriptionPatient CareDiagnostic Skills

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +14% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Optometrist Salary

See Optometrist salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$160,520
+76%
Los Angeles, CA
$137,070
+50%
Chicago, IL
$138,510
+52%
Houston, TX
$124,780
+37%
Phoenix, AZ
$134,430
+47%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Optometrist Salary in Hattiesburg, MS — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a optometrist in Hattiesburg, MS is $91,337 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 91. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Hattiesburg's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level optometrist professionals in Hattiesburg can expect to earn around $55,244 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level optometrists earning approximately $125,220 per year. This represents a 127% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Hattiesburg's cost of living index of 91 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Hattiesburg 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 Hattiesburg typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,100 per month, housing represents about 14.5% 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 Hattiesburg, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Data source: Salary estimates on this page are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.