📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Optometrists Salary in North Carolina (2026)

North Carolina · 9.0% below national average · Medium Demand

Average
$119,747
per year
Median
$114,642
per year
Hourly
$57.57
per hour
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
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Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$67,490
25th Percentile — Junior$91,894
50th Percentile — Median$114,642
75th Percentile — Senior$146,804
90th Percentile — Top Earners$168,737
💡 Top-earning Optometristss in North Carolina make up to $168,737 per year. The job market in North Carolina is rated strong, with key industries including Technology, Finance, Agriculture.
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Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$97.5k
2021
$101.6k
2022
$105.8k
2023
$110.3k
2024
$114.9k
2025
$119.7k
2026
📈 Optometrists salaries in North Carolina have followed the national trend with 4.2% annual growth. The strong presence in North Carolina's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Optometrists Salary by City in North Carolina
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Charlotte $114,957 -4.0% Medium
Raleigh $117,352 -2.0% Medium
Greensboro $107,772 -10.0% Medium
Durham $116,155 -3.0% Medium
Winston-Salem $104,180 -13.0% Medium
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Optometrists Job Market in North Carolina
Key factors affecting compensation

North Carolina is home to a strong job market for Optometristss. The state's key industries — Technology, Finance, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $119,747 per year, North Carolina's Optometrists salaries are 9.0% lower than the national average.

The cost of living in North Carolina (index: 0.91) makes salaries stretch further than in higher-cost states. Entry-level professionals in North Carolina can expect to earn $67,490–$91,894, while experienced Optometristss can command $146,804–$168,737.

Looking ahead, the Optometrists profession in North Carolina is projected to grow at 4.2% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Technology continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
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Compare with Similar Jobs
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Optometrists salary in North Carolina is $119,747 per year in 2026, which is 9.0% below the national average of $131,590.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Optometristss the highest wages in North Carolina due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • North Carolina has a strong job market with major industries in Technology, Finance, Agriculture. This makes it one of the better states for Optometrists employment.
  • At $119,747/year, North Carolina Optometrists salaries are 9.0% lower than the national average of $131,590/year.