Optometrist Salary in Winston-Salem, NC: $108,007 (2026)

Optometrist Pay in Winston-Salem: What to Expect (2026)

Winston-Salem offers a median optometrist salary of $108,007, which is $7,536 below the North Carolina state average of $115,543. Compared to the national median of $125,590, Winston-Salem pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Winston-Salem's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $108,007 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $125,590 in an average-cost city. This makes Winston-Salem an attractive option for optometrists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for optometrists in Winston-Salem spans from $67,080 at the 10th percentile to $165,120 at the 90th percentile — a $98,040 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $70,520, while senior optometrists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $153,080. With a population of 249,545, Winston-Salem is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Optometrist Salary in Winston-Salem by Experience

In Winston-Salem, an entry-level optometrist earns around $70,520, while experienced professionals earn up to $153,080 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$70,520

$-11,480 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$110,080

$-17,920 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$153,080

$-24,920 vs national

Percentile	Winston-Salem	NC State	National
10th Percentile	$67,080	$71,760	$78,000
25th Percentile	$86,000	$92,000	$100,000
Median (50th)	$108,007	$115,543	$125,590
75th Percentile	$135,880	$145,360	$158,000
90th Percentile	$165,120	$176,640	$192,000

Percentile

Winston-Salem

10th Percentile

$67,080

25th Percentile

$86,000

Median (50th)

$108,007

75th Percentile

$135,880

90th Percentile

$165,120

How to Become a Optometrist in Winston-Salem

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Optometrist Salary in Winston-Salem

How much does a Optometrist make in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼

The median optometrist salary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina is $108,007 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $125,590. Salaries range from $67,080 (10th percentile) to $165,120 (90th percentile).

How much does a Optometrist make per hour in Winston-Salem? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $108,007, a optometrist in Winston-Salem earns approximately $52 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Winston-Salem compare to the North Carolina state average for optometrist pay? ▼

Winston-Salem's median optometrist salary of $108,007 is 6.5% below the North Carolina state average of $115,543. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼

Winston-Salem has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a optometrist salary of $108,007 in Winston-Salem has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a optometrist in Winston-Salem? ▼

Most optometrist positions in Winston-Salem 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.

Optometrist Salary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina