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Optometrist Salary in Columbia, TN

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

Median Salary
$100,628
per year in Columbia
Entry Level
$60,864
Starting salary
Senior Level
$137,957
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
92
8% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$60,864$100,628$137,957
Monthly$5,072$8,386$11,496
Biweekly$2,341$3,870$5,306
Weekly$1,170$1,935$2,653
Hourly$29$48$66

Columbia vs National Average

How Columbia's optometrist salaries compare to national figures.

Columbia Salary
$100,628
COL Index: 92
National Average
$128,680
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$28,052
Lower in Columbia

Cost of Living in Columbia

1-Bedroom Rent
$980
per month
Median Income
$50,821
per year
Population
42,280
residents
Rent % of Income
23.1%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 92 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Columbia 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
+60%
Los Angeles, CA
$137,070
+36%
Chicago, IL
$138,510
+38%
Houston, TX
$124,780
+24%
Phoenix, AZ
$134,430
+34%

Explore Related Data for Columbia & TN

Dig deeper into the numbers behind a optometrist salary in Columbia — cost of living, take-home pay, affordability, taxes, and retirement projections all in one place.

Cost of living in Columbia

Full breakdown of expenses, rent, and local purchasing power.

Take-home pay on $100,000 in TN

Federal tax, state tax, Social Security, and Medicare breakdown.

What you can afford on $100,000 in TN

Home price, rent, and monthly spending guidelines for this income.

Tax brackets on $100,000 in TN

See exactly which brackets your income falls into.

Optometrist salary across all of TN

State-level salary data beyond just Columbia.

$400,000 mortgage in TN

Monthly payment, property tax, and total interest for a typical home at this income.

Retirement at 30 earning $100,000

Projections, savings benchmarks, and how to stay on track.

Financial Tools to Explore

Use these Pulsafi calculators to understand your finances based on a optometrist salary in Columbia.

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 Columbia.

Budget Calculator

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Rent vs Buy Calculator

Compare the true costs of renting versus buying in Columbia.

Optometrist Salary in Columbia, TN — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a optometrist in Columbia, TN is $100,628 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 92. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Columbia's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level optometrist professionals in Columbia can expect to earn around $60,864 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level optometrists earning approximately $137,957 per year. This represents a 127% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Columbia's cost of living index of 92 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Columbia 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 Columbia typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $980 per month, housing represents about 11.7% 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 Columbia, 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.