Chapel Hill vs Charlotte: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Chapel Hill, NC and Charlotte, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chapel Hill, NC | Charlotte, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $173,256▲ | $161,863 |
| Hourly Rate | $83.29▲ | $77.82 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $100,489▲ | $40,443 |
| 25th Percentile | $134,505▲ | $105,688 |
| 75th Percentile | $208,153▲ | $181,323 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $264,016▲ | $216,000 |
| Total Employed | 9 | 260▲ |
Verdict
Chapel Hill, NC offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Charlotte.
The salary gap between Chapel Hill and Charlotte is $11,393 (7.04%). Chapel Hill's median is +23.22% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chapel Hill spans $163,527,Charlotte spans $175,557. Charlotte has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced optometrists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Chapel Hill ($185,103 effective) pays 11.32% more than Charlotte ($166,273 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chapel Hill if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($173,256/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($264,016)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $185,103)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Charlotte if…
- ✓Larger job market (260 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Chapel Hill grew 38.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 28.2% growth in Charlotte over the same period.
Chapel Hill, NC
$121,470 (2024) → $168,275 (2025)
Charlotte, NC
$122,600 (2019) → $157,210 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chapel Hill, NC
Charlotte, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Chapel Hill or Charlotte?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chapel Hill and Charlotte?
Should I relocate from Chapel Hill to Charlotte as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Chapel Hill vs Charlotte?
Related Comparisons
Written by Aisha Patel, OD
Career Analyst
Aisha Patel has 10 years of experience in optometry. She specializes in pediatric vision care. Aisha works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.96% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Aisha Patel, OD, a licensed optometrist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov