Optometrist Salary in North Carolina
Based on 1K+ workers in North Carolina
Median Annual Salary (NC)
$161,560
$77.67/hr
vs National Average
$136,108
+18.7% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$94K – $215K
1K employed in North Carolina
Understanding the Optometrist salary in North Carolina reveals a competitive landscape for eye care professionals. The median annual salary for optometrists in the state is approximately $161,560, placing it significantly above the national average by 19%. With around 1,140 workers in the field, North Carolina offers a robust environment for optometrists.
Several factors influence the Optometrist salary in North Carolina. The salary range is quite broad, from $94,320 to $215,340, reflecting differences in experience levels, practice settings such as private practice versus large clinics, and geographic location within the state. Demand for optometric services in specific urban or rural areas can also play a role in compensation.
Salary Distribution — Optometrist in North Carolina
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $94,320 |
| 25th percentile | $123,250 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $161,560 |
| 75th percentile | $193,790 |
| 90th percentile | $215,340 |
Top-Paying Industries for Optometrist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Optometrists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Optometrists in North Carolina tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $166,410 | 60 |
| Administrative and Support Services | $160,100 | — |
| Retail Trade | $159,250 | 6K |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $134,370 | 36K |
| Educational Services | $124,280 | 110 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Optometrist in North Carolina vs National
| Year | Median Salary (North Carolina) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $135,250 |
| 2023 | $154,560 |
| 2024 | $153,750 |
| 2025 | $161,560 |
| 2026 (projected) | $169,767 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | North Carolina Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $135,250 | $121,162 |
| 2023 | $154,560 | $129,589 |
| 2024 | $153,750 | $131,624 |
| 2025 | $161,560 | $136,108 |
| 2026 (projected) | $169,767 | $143,022 |
Optometrist Salary by Experience Level in North Carolina
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $123,250 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $161,560 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $193,790 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $215,340 |
Optometrist Salary in Other States
Related Optometrist Salaries in North Carolina
How other high-demand occupations in North Carolina compare to Optometrist ($161,560 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Optometrist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surgeon in NC | $398,410 | +146.6% | $191.54/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in NC | $339,350 | +110.0% | $163.15/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in NC | $289,780 | +79.4% | $139.32/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in NC | $224,610 | +39.0% | $107.99/hr |
| Podiatrist in NC | $215,420 | +33.3% | $103.57/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in NC | $215,230 | +33.2% | $103.48/hr |
| Dentist in NC | $207,000 | +28.1% | $99.52/hr |
| Pediatrician in NC | $183,550 | +13.6% | $88.25/hr |
| Psychiatrist in NC | $168,880 | +4.5% | $81.19/hr |
| Pharmacist in NC | $138,860 | -14.1% | $66.76/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in NC | $134,540 | -16.7% | $64.68/hr |
| Physician Assistant in NC | $129,360 | -19.9% | $62.19/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make in North Carolina?
- The median salary for optometrists in North Carolina is $161,560 per year, which breaks down to about $78 per hour. This median is significantly higher than the national average, by 18.7%.
What is the salary range for optometrists in North Carolina?
- In North Carolina, optometrist salaries typically range from $94,320 on the lower end to $215,340 on the higher end. The median salary falls within this range at $161,560 annually.
Is the salary for optometrists higher in North Carolina compared to the rest of the country?
- Yes, optometrists in North Carolina earn more than the national average. Their median salary of $161,560 per year is 18.7% higher than the national median.
How many optometrists are employed in North Carolina?
- There are approximately 1,140 optometrists employed in North Carolina. The median annual salary for these professionals is $161,560.