Charlotte vs Matthews: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Charlotte, NC and Matthews, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charlotte, NC | Matthews, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $161,863 | $166,191▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $77.82 | $79.90▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,443 | $96,391▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $105,688 | $133,171▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $181,323 | $195,170▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $216,000 | $232,988▲ |
| Total Employed | 260▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Matthews, NC offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Charlotte.
The salary gap between Charlotte and Matthews is $4,328 (2.67%). Matthews's median is +18.19% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charlotte spans $175,557,Matthews spans $136,597. Charlotte has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Matthews ($177,554 effective) pays 6.79% 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 Charlotte if…
- ✓Larger job market (260 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Matthews if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($166,191/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($232,988)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $177,554)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Charlotte grew 28.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 34.2% growth in Matthews over the same period.
Charlotte, NC
$122,600 (2019) → $157,210 (2025)
Matthews, NC
$120,282 (2024) → $161,413 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charlotte, NC
Matthews, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Charlotte or Matthews?
What is the hourly rate difference between Charlotte and Matthews?
Should I relocate from Charlotte to Matthews as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Charlotte vs Matthews?
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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