Optometrist Salary in South Carolina
Based on 480+ workers in South Carolina
Data year: 2025 · Last updated: October 2026
Median Annual Salary (SC)
$145,950
$70.17/hr
vs National Average
$136,108
+7.2% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$52K – $172K
480 employed in South Carolina
Salary Distribution — Optometrist in South Carolina
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $51,740 |
| 25th percentile | $93,980 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $145,950 |
| 75th percentile | $163,510 |
| 90th percentile | $172,060 |
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 South 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 South Carolina vs National
| Year | Median Salary (South Carolina) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $98,460 |
| 2023 | $124,190 |
| 2024 | $137,450 |
| 2025 | $145,950 |
| 2026 (projected) | $154,707 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | South Carolina Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $98,460 | $121,162 |
| 2023 | $124,190 | $129,589 |
| 2024 | $137,450 | $131,624 |
| 2025 | $145,950 | $136,108 |
| 2026 (projected) | $154,707 | $144,274 |
Optometrist Salary by Experience Level in South Carolina
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $93,980 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $145,950 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $163,510 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $172,060 |
Optometrist Salary in Other States
Related Optometrist Salaries in South Carolina
How other high-demand occupations in South Carolina compare to Optometrist ($145,950 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Optometrist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal Medicine Physician in SC | $359,500 | +146.3% | $172.84/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in SC | $341,960 | +134.3% | $164.40/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in SC | $302,340 | +107.2% | $145.36/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in SC | $265,480 | +81.9% | $127.63/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in SC | $239,200 | +63.9% | $115.00/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in SC | $238,970 | +63.7% | $114.89/hr |
| Psychiatrist in SC | $237,250 | +62.6% | $114.06/hr |
| Pediatrician in SC | $217,120 | +48.8% | $104.38/hr |
| Radiologist in SC | $174,480 | +19.5% | $83.88/hr |
| Podiatrist in SC | $167,110 | +14.5% | $80.34/hr |
| Dentist in SC | $158,640 | +8.7% | $76.27/hr |
| Pharmacist in SC | $135,700 | -7.0% | $65.24/hr |