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.
Optometrist Pay in Durham: What to Expect (2026)
Durham offers a median optometrist salary of $119,311, which is $3,768 above the North Carolina state average of $115,543. Compared to the national median of $125,590, Durham pays below the national benchmark for this role.
Durham's cost of living is 95% 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 Durham spans from $74,100 at the 10th percentile to $182,400 at the 90th percentile — a $108,300 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $77,900, while senior optometrists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $169,100. With a population of 283,506, Durham is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
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.
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
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
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: