Optometrists Salary in Western North Carolina

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

Median annual salary $125,700 -6.8% vs national
Median hourly $60.43
10th percentile $67,420
90th percentile $208,620
Employed locally 60
National median $134,830

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Optometrists
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Western North Carolina
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $67,420
    25th
    $67,420
    50th (median)
    $125,700
    75th
    $178,840
    90th
    $208,620

    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 Western North Carolina

    OccupationMedian salary
    Registered Nurses $79,600
    Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses $60,380
    Pharmacy Technicians $37,950
    Paramedics $46,280
    Emergency Medical Technicians $39,160
    Pharmacists $131,130

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Optometrists in Western North Carolina is $60.43, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $103.85 or more per hour.

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

    The median Optometrists salary in Western North Carolina is 6.8% below 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 Western North Carolina?

    Entry-level Optometrists (10th percentile) earn around $67,420 per year in Western North Carolina. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $67,420.