Healthcare Columbia, SC Pop. 131,674

Optometrist Salary in Columbia, South Carolina

The median optometrist salary in Columbia, SC is $113,031 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 1.1% above the South Carolina state average.

City Median
$113,031
vs State Avg
+$1,256
vs National
$-12,559
Cost of Living
90%

Optometrist Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, an entry-level optometrist earns around $73,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $160,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$73,800
$-8,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$115,200
$-12,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$160,200
$-17,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbia, SC

Percentile Columbia
10th Percentile $70,200
25th Percentile $90,000
Median (50th) $113,031
75th Percentile $142,200
90th Percentile $172,800

Optometrist Salary in Other South Carolina Cities

Mount Pleasant, SC
$131,870
Pop. 94,171
Charleston, SC
$125,590
Pop. 150,227
North Charleston, SC
$119,311
Pop. 115,382
Greenville, SC
$115,543
Pop. 72,095

How to Become a Optometrist in Columbia

Education

Most optometrist positions require a doctoral degree. Columbia and the surrounding South 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 Columbia may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Optometrist Jobs in Columbia

Browse open optometrist positions in Columbia, SC:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Optometrist Salary in Columbia

How much does a Optometrist make in Columbia, SC? ▼
The median optometrist salary in Columbia, South Carolina is $113,031 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $125,590. Salaries range from $70,200 (10th percentile) to $172,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Optometrist make per hour in Columbia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $113,031, a optometrist in Columbia earns approximately $54 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbia compare to the South Carolina state average for optometrist pay? ▼
Columbia's median optometrist salary of $113,031 is 1.1% above the South Carolina state average of $111,775. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Columbia, SC? ▼
Columbia has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a optometrist salary of $113,031 in Columbia has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a optometrist in Columbia? ▼
Most optometrist positions in Columbia 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.