Healthcare Durham, NC Pop. 283,506

Optometrist Salary in Durham, North Carolina

The median optometrist salary in Durham, NC is $119,311 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 3.3% above the North Carolina state average.

City Median
$119,311
vs State Avg
+$3,768
vs National
$-6,279
Cost of Living
95%

Optometrist Salary in Durham by Experience

In Durham, an entry-level optometrist earns around $77,900, while experienced professionals earn up to $169,100 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$77,900
$-4,100 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$121,600
$-6,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$169,100
$-8,900 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Durham, NC

Percentile Durham
10th Percentile $74,100
25th Percentile $95,000
Median (50th) $119,311
75th Percentile $150,100
90th Percentile $182,400

Optometrist Salary in Other North Carolina Cities

Charlotte, NC
$123,078
Pop. 874,579
Raleigh, NC
$123,078
Pop. 467,665
Greensboro, NC
$110,519
Pop. 299,035
Winston-Salem, NC
$108,007
Pop. 249,545

How to Become a Optometrist in Durham

Education

Most optometrist positions require a doctoral degree. Durham 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 Durham may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Optometrist Jobs in Durham

Browse open optometrist positions in Durham, NC:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Optometrist Salary in Durham

How much does a Optometrist make in Durham, NC? ▼
The median optometrist salary in Durham, North Carolina is $119,311 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $125,590. Salaries range from $74,100 (10th percentile) to $182,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Optometrist make per hour in Durham? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $119,311, a optometrist in Durham earns approximately $57 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Durham compare to the North Carolina state average for optometrist pay? ▼
Durham's median optometrist salary of $119,311 is 3.3% above the North Carolina state average of $115,543. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Durham, NC? ▼
Durham has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a optometrist salary of $119,311 in Durham has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a optometrist in Durham? ▼
Most optometrist positions in Durham 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.