Healthcare Charlotte, NC Pop. 874,579

Optometrist Salary in Charlotte, North Carolina

The median optometrist salary in Charlotte, NC is $123,078 per year, which is 2% below the national median and 6.5% above the North Carolina state average.

City Median
$123,078
vs State Avg
+$7,535
vs National
$-2,512
Cost of Living
98%

Optometrist Pay in Charlotte: What to Expect (2026)

Charlotte offers a median optometrist salary of $123,078, which is $7,535 above the North Carolina state average of $115,543. Compared to the national median of $125,590, Charlotte pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Charlotte's cost of living is 98% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for optometrists in Charlotte spans from $76,440 at the 10th percentile to $188,160 at the 90th percentile — a $111,720 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $80,360, while senior optometrists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $174,440. As a major metro area with a population of 874,579, Charlotte typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Optometrist Salary in Charlotte by Experience

In Charlotte, an entry-level optometrist earns around $80,360, while experienced professionals earn up to $174,440 per year. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$80,360
$-1,640 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$125,440
$-2,560 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$174,440
$-3,560 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Charlotte, NC

Percentile Charlotte
10th Percentile $76,440
25th Percentile $98,000
Median (50th) $123,078
75th Percentile $154,840
90th Percentile $188,160

Optometrist Salary in Other North Carolina Cities

Raleigh, NC
$123,078
Pop. 467,665
Durham, NC
$119,311
Pop. 283,506
Greensboro, NC
$110,519
Pop. 299,035
Winston-Salem, NC
$108,007
Pop. 249,545

How to Become a Optometrist in Charlotte

Education

Most optometrist positions require a doctoral degree. Charlotte and the surrounding North Carolina area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Eye ExaminationRefractionContact Lens FittingOcular DiseasePatient EducationDiagnostic Equipment

Job Outlook

Nationally, optometrist employment is projected to grow 9% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Charlotte may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Optometrist Jobs in Charlotte

Browse open optometrist positions in Charlotte, NC:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Optometrist Salary in Charlotte

How much does a Optometrist make in Charlotte, NC? ▼
The median optometrist salary in Charlotte, North Carolina is $123,078 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $125,590. Salaries range from $76,440 (10th percentile) to $188,160 (90th percentile).
How much does a Optometrist make per hour in Charlotte? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $123,078, a optometrist in Charlotte earns approximately $59 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Charlotte compare to the North Carolina state average for optometrist pay? ▼
Charlotte's median optometrist salary of $123,078 is 6.5% above the North Carolina state average of $115,543. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Charlotte, NC? ▼
Charlotte has a cost of living index of 98% compared to the national average. This means a optometrist salary of $123,078 in Charlotte has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a optometrist in Charlotte? ▼
Most optometrist positions in Charlotte require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Eye Examination, Refraction, Contact Lens Fitting, Ocular Disease. The job market is projected to grow 9% nationally over the next decade.