Charlotte vs Winston-Salem: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Charlotte, NC and Winston-Salem, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charlotte, NC | Winston-Salem, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $161,863 | $174,240▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $77.82 | $83.77▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,443 | $101,059▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $105,688 | $131,568▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $181,323 | $214,043▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $216,000 | $266,381▲ |
| Total Employed | 260▲ | 59 |
Verdict
Winston-Salem, NC offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Charlotte.
The salary gap between Charlotte and Winston-Salem is $12,377 (7.65%). Winston-Salem's median is +23.92% 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,Winston-Salem spans $165,322. 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, Winston-Salem ($186,154 effective) pays 11.96% 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 Winston-Salem if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($174,240/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($266,381)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $186,154)
- ✓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 Winston-Salem over the same period.
Charlotte, NC
$122,600 (2019) → $157,210 (2025)
Winston-Salem, NC
$126,107 (2024) → $169,231 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charlotte, NC
Winston-Salem, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Charlotte or Winston-Salem?
What is the hourly rate difference between Charlotte and Winston-Salem?
Should I relocate from Charlotte to Winston-Salem as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Charlotte vs Winston-Salem?
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