Healthcare South Carolina (SC) Rank #41 of 50

Optometrist Salary in South Carolina

The median optometrist salary in South Carolina is $111,775 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $125,590.

Median Salary
$111,775
vs National
$-13,815
State Rank
#41 of 50
Cost of Living
89%

Optometrist Salary in South Carolina by Experience

In South Carolina, an entry-level optometrist earns around $72,980, while experienced professionals earn up to $158,420 per year. The cost of living index in South Carolina is 89% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$72,980
$-9,020 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$113,920
$-14,080 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$158,420
$-19,580 vs national

Salary Percentiles in South Carolina

Percentile SC Salary
10th Percentile $69,420
25th Percentile $89,000
Median (50th) $111,775
75th Percentile $140,620
90th Percentile $170,880

Optometrist Salary by City in South Carolina

The largest employment areas for optometrists in South Carolina include Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, and North Charleston. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Charleston, SC
$125,590
Pop. 150,227 · COL 100%
Columbia, SC
$113,031
Pop. 131,674 · COL 90%
Greenville, SC
$115,543
Pop. 72,095 · COL 92%
North Charleston, SC
$119,311
Pop. 115,382 · COL 95%
Mount Pleasant, SC
$131,870
Pop. 94,171 · COL 105%

How to Become a Optometrist in South Carolina

Education

Most optometrist positions require a doctoral degree. South Carolina has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Eye ExaminationRefractionContact Lens FittingOcular DiseasePatient EducationDiagnostic Equipment

Job Outlook in South Carolina

Nationally, optometrist employment is projected to grow 9% over the next decade (faster than average). South Carolina's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

Find Optometrist Jobs in South Carolina

Browse open optometrist positions in South Carolina:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Optometrist Salary in South Carolina

How much does a Optometrist make in South Carolina? ▼
The median optometrist salary in South Carolina is $111,775 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $125,590. Salaries range from $69,420 (10th percentile) to $170,880 (90th percentile).
How much does a Optometrist make per hour in South Carolina? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $111,775, a optometrist in South Carolina earns approximately $54 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is South Carolina a good state for optometrists? ▼
South Carolina ranks #41 out of 50 states for optometrist pay. The cost of living index is 89% of the national average. Entry-level optometrists earn $72,980, while senior professionals earn $158,420.
How does South Carolina compare to other states for optometrist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for optometrists is Hawaii at $223,550. South Carolina's median of $111,775 ranks #41 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Wyoming ($113,031) and Iowa ($111,775).
What is the entry-level optometrist salary in South Carolina? ▼
An entry-level optometrist in South Carolina earns approximately $72,980 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $113,920. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $158,420.
What city in South Carolina pays optometrists the most? ▼
Mount Pleasant is the highest paying city in South Carolina for optometrists, with a median salary of $131,870. Other cities include Charleston and Columbia.