Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links marked with (Ad). If you click through and make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more

Optometrists Salary in North Carolina

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Optometrists make in North Carolina?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$161,560
Median Annual Salary
▲ +5.1% vs 2024
$161,030
Mean Salary
$161,560
Median Salary
$77.67
Hourly Rate
1,140 people work as Optometrists in North Carolina

Optometrists salary by percentile in North Carolina

BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).

Optometrists salary in North Carolina — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Optometrists in North Carolina.10thBottom 10% earn less than $94,320$94,32025th25% earn less than $123,250$123,250MedianHalf earn more than $161,560$161,56075th75% earn less than $193,790$193,79090thTop 10% earn more than $215,340$215,340

Optometrists in North Carolina earn a median salary of $161,560 per year ($13,463/month). This is 18.7% above the national average of $136,108. North Carolina ranks #3 out of 51 states for Optometrists pay. Approximately 1,140 people work in this occupation across North Carolina. Salaries increased by 5.1% compared to 2024.

About This Job: Optometrists

Diagnose, manage, and treat conditions and diseases of the human eye and visual system. Examine eyes and visual system, diagnose problems or impairments, prescribe corrective lenses, and provide treatment. May prescribe therapeutic drugs to treat specific eye conditions.

Top Skills

Reading Comprehension
4.12
Active Listening
4.12
Critical Thinking
4.12
Writing
4.0
Speaking
4.0

Key Knowledge Areas

Medicine and Dentistry
4.81
Biology
4.52
Customer and Personal Service
4.4
English Language
3.9
Mathematics
3.62
Typical Education: Doctoral Degree (95.2% of workers)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Optometrists in North Carolina

Salaries for Optometrists in North Carolina range from $94,320 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $215,340 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $123,250 and $193,790.

Median $161,560
P10: $94,320 P25: $123,250 P75: $193,790 P90: $215,340
10th
$94,320
25th
$123,250
Median
$161,560
75th
$193,790
90th
$215,340
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $94,320 $45.35 $7,860
25th Percentile $123,250 $59.25 $10,270
Median (50th) $161,560 $77.67 $13,463
75th Percentile $193,790 $93.17 $16,149
90th Percentile (Experienced) $215,340 $103.53 $17,945

Note: The mean (average) salary of $161,030 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#3
North Carolina ranks #3 of 51 states
$136,108
National avg. for Optometrists
+18.7%
vs. national average
Above Average

What does this salary really buy? See Optometrists salary in North Carolina adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Optometrists take-home pay in North Carolina after taxes →

Explore Optometrists Data in North Carolina

Optometrists Salary by State

Compare Optometrists pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Optometrists make in North Carolina?
The median annual salary for Optometrists in North Carolina is $161,560 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $161,030.
What is the salary range for a Optometrists in North Carolina?
Salaries for Optometrists in North Carolina range from $94,320 at the 10th percentile to $215,340 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $123,250 and $193,790.
What is the starting salary for a Optometrists in North Carolina?
Entry-level Optometrists positions in North Carolina typically start around $94,320 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $123,250 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Optometrists in North Carolina?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 1,140 people are employed as Optometrists in North Carolina.
What is the hourly rate for a Optometrists in North Carolina?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Optometrists in North Carolina is approximately $77.67 per hour.

💼 Earning $161,560/year? Here's Your Next Move

* Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Full disclosure

📊 Get Monthly Salary Insights & Career Data

Free data-driven career updates — no spam, unsubscribe anytime.

Data Source & Methodology

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.

Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

Share this page: X Facebook LinkedIn