Healthcare North Charleston, SC Pop. 115,382

Optometrist Salary in North Charleston, South Carolina

The median optometrist salary in North Charleston, SC is $119,311 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 6.7% above the South Carolina state average.

City Median
$119,311
vs State Avg
+$7,536
vs National
$-6,279
Cost of Living
95%

Optometrist Pay in North Charleston: What to Expect (2026)

North Charleston offers a median optometrist salary of $119,311, which is $7,536 above the South Carolina state average of $111,775. Compared to the national median of $125,590, North Charleston pays below the national benchmark for this role.

North Charleston'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 North Charleston 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 115,382, North Charleston is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Optometrist Salary in North Charleston by Experience

In North Charleston, 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 North Charleston, SC

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

Optometrist Salary in Other South Carolina Cities

Mount Pleasant, SC
$131,870
Pop. 94,171
Charleston, SC
$125,590
Pop. 150,227
Greenville, SC
$115,543
Pop. 72,095
Columbia, SC
$113,031
Pop. 131,674

How to Become a Optometrist in North Charleston

Education

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

Find Optometrist Jobs in North Charleston

Browse open optometrist positions in North Charleston, SC:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Optometrist Salary in North Charleston

How much does a Optometrist make in North Charleston, SC? ▼
The median optometrist salary in North Charleston, South 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 North Charleston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $119,311, a optometrist in North Charleston earns approximately $57 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does North Charleston compare to the South Carolina state average for optometrist pay? ▼
North Charleston's median optometrist salary of $119,311 is 6.7% above the South Carolina state average of $111,775. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in North Charleston, SC? ▼
North Charleston has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a optometrist salary of $119,311 in North Charleston has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a optometrist in North Charleston? ▼
Most optometrist positions in North Charleston 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.