Optometrist salary in Columbus, GA-AL
Optometrists in the Columbus, GA-AL metro area earn a median of $121,830 a year ($58.57 an hour), based on BLS data for 30 workers.
Pay ranges from $78,380 for the lowest-paid 10% to $178,320 for the top 10%. That is 11% lower than the national median of $136,570. Pay here is 5% lower than the Georgia statewide median of $128,830. There are 0.28 optometrists per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $124,990, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for optometrists in Columbus, GA-AL
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $78,380 | $37.69 |
| 25th percentile | $105,050 | $50.50 |
| Median | $121,830 | $58.57 |
| 75th percentile | $134,410 | $64.62 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $178,320 | $85.73 |
| Average (mean) | $124,990 | $60.09 |
Half of optometrists earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $10,152.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $5,076.25 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $4,685.77 |
| Weekly | $2,342.88 |
| Hourly | $58.57 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Optometrist salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Birmingham, AL | $162,890 | 110 |
| Huntsville, AL | $161,170 | 50 |
| Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL | $160,680 | 40 |
| Savannah, GA | $159,330 | 30 |
| Albany, GA | $134,250 | 40 |
| Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC | $130,390 | 70 |
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA | $128,830 | 450 |
| Chattanooga, TN-GA | $126,600 | 60 |
Highest-paying states for optometrists
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Alaska | $170,310 |
| Maryland | $165,840 |
| North Carolina | $161,560 |
| Delaware | $161,270 |
| New York | $161,140 |
| New Jersey | $159,040 |
| Minnesota | $158,700 |
| Washington | $157,560 |
| Hawaii | $154,620 |
| Maine | $154,110 |
See Optometrist pay in every state or the Georgia statewide figures.
Related jobs in Columbus, GA-AL
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $82,500 | $39.66 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $121,530 | $58.43 |
| Physicians, All Other | $191,360 | $92.00 |
| Pharmacist | $132,790 | $63.84 |
| Dental Hygienist | $80,240 | $38.58 |
| Physical Therapist | $98,300 | $47.26 |
| Occupational Therapist | $94,580 | $45.47 |
| Respiratory Therapist | $77,150 | $37.09 |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | $93,540 | $44.97 |
| Family Medicine Physician | $179,420 | $86.26 |
| Physician Assistant | $117,030 | $56.27 |
| Dietitians and Nutritionists | $69,840 | $33.58 |
| Dentists, General | $196,310 | $94.38 |
| Veterinarian | $99,840 | $48.00 |
More: Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations · all salaries in Columbus, GA-AL
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 29-1041. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a optometrist make in Columbus, GA-AL?
The median salary for optometrists in the Columbus, GA-AL metro area is $121,830 a year, or $58.57 an hour. Pay ranges from $78,380 for the lowest-paid 10% to $178,320 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid optometrists make in Columbus, GA-AL?
The top 10% of optometrists in the Columbus, GA-AL metro area earn at least $178,320 a year. The top 25% earn $134,410 or more.
What is the starting pay for optometrists in Columbus, GA-AL?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $78,380 a year, and a quarter of optometrists earn $105,050 or less.
How many optometrists work in Columbus, GA-AL?
About 30 optometrists are employed in the Columbus, GA-AL metro area, not counting the self-employed.