Optometrists Salary in Central North Carolina

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Central North Carolina nonmetropolitan area

Median annual salary $157,380 +16.7% vs national
Median hourly $75.66
10th percentile $95,160
90th percentile $202,660
Employed locally 40
National median $134,830

Compare Optometrists salary & buying power

Type a city below to see how Central North Carolina stacks up on salary and cost of living.

Full tool →
Optometrists
in
Central North Carolina
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $95,160
    25th
    $118,930
    50th (median)
    $157,380
    75th
    $172,140
    90th
    $202,660

    Top-paying metros for Optometrists

    Metro areaMedian salary
    La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN $176,930
    Asheville, NC $167,980
    Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area $166,920
    Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA $165,870
    Alaska $165,830
    Reno, NV $165,060

    Related occupations in Central North Carolina

    OccupationMedian salary
    Registered Nurses $78,540
    Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses $59,020
    Pharmacy Technicians $37,190
    Emergency Medical Technicians $36,060
    Pharmacists $133,620
    Paramedics $46,530

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Optometrists make per hour in Central North Carolina?

    The median hourly wage for Optometrists in Central North Carolina is $75.66, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $97.44 or more per hour.

    Is Central North Carolina above or below average for Optometrists salaries?

    The median Optometrists salary in Central North Carolina is 16.7% above the national median of $134,830. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Optometrists in Central North Carolina?

    Entry-level Optometrists (10th percentile) earn around $95,160 per year in Central North Carolina. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $118,930.