Charlotte vs Wilmington: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Charlotte, NC and Wilmington, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charlotte, NC | Wilmington, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $161,863 | $168,648▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $77.82 | $81.08▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,443 | $113,029▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $105,688 | $138,780▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $181,323 | $227,892▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $216,000 | $365,961▲ |
| Total Employed | 260▲ | 120 |
Verdict
Wilmington, NC offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Charlotte.
The salary gap between Charlotte and Wilmington is $6,785 (4.19%). Wilmington's median is +19.94% 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,Wilmington spans $252,932. Wilmington 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, Wilmington ($174,906 effective) pays 5.19% 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 Wilmington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($168,648/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($365,961)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $174,906)
- ✓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 58.3% growth in Wilmington over the same period.
Charlotte, NC
$122,600 (2019) → $157,210 (2025)
Wilmington, NC
$103,480 (2019) → $163,800 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charlotte, NC
Wilmington, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Charlotte or Wilmington?
What is the hourly rate difference between Charlotte and Wilmington?
Should I relocate from Charlotte to Wilmington as a optometrist?
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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