Charleston vs North Charleston: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Charleston, SC and North Charleston, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charleston, SC | North Charleston, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $159,238 | $162,633▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $76.56 | $78.19▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,642 | $94,327▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $99,686 | $133,654▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $175,948 | $196,293▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $184,319 | $240,496▲ |
| Total Employed | 70▲ | 22 |
Verdict
North Charleston, SC offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Charleston.
The salary gap between Charleston and North Charleston is $3,395 (2.13%). North Charleston's median is +15.66% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charleston spans $130,677,North Charleston spans $146,169. North Charleston 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, North Charleston ($177,741 effective) pays 12.69% more than Charleston ($157,721 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Charleston if…
- ✓Larger job market (70 employed)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose North Charleston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($162,633/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($240,496)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $177,741)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Charleston grew 29.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 37.2% growth in North Charleston over the same period.
Charleston, SC
$119,910 (2019) → $154,660 (2025)
North Charleston, SC
$115,150 (2024) → $157,957 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charleston, SC
North Charleston, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Charleston or North Charleston?
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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