Greenville vs Myrtle Beach: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Greenville, SC and Myrtle Beach, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Greenville, SC | Myrtle Beach, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $153,802 | $154,450▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $73.95 | $74.25▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,786 | $78,651▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $97,936 | $105,678▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $170,461▲ | $162,131 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $173,920▲ | $166,198 |
| Total Employed | 70▲ | 50 |
Verdict
Greenville and Myrtle Beach are closely matched on overall optometrist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Greenville and Myrtle Beach is $648 (0.42%). Myrtle Beach's median is +9.84% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Greenville spans $128,134,Myrtle Beach spans $87,547. Greenville 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, Myrtle Beach ($164,937 effective) pays 0.01% more than Greenville ($164,917 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Greenville if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($173,920)
- ✓Larger job market (70 employed)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Myrtle Beach if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($154,450/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $164,937)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Greenville grew 83.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 65.4% growth in Myrtle Beach over the same period.
Greenville, SC
$81,600 (2019) → $149,380 (2025)
Myrtle Beach, SC
$90,710 (2021) → $150,010 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Greenville, SC
Myrtle Beach, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Greenville or Myrtle Beach?
What is the hourly rate difference between Greenville and Myrtle Beach?
Should I relocate from Greenville to Myrtle Beach as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Greenville vs Myrtle Beach?
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