Greenville vs North Charleston: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Greenville, SC and North Charleston, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Greenville, SC | North Charleston, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $153,802 | $162,633▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $73.95 | $78.19▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,786 | $94,327▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $97,936 | $133,654▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $170,461 | $196,293▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $173,920 | $240,496▲ |
| Total Employed | 70▲ | 22 |
Verdict
North Charleston, SC offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Greenville.
The salary gap between Greenville and North Charleston is $8,831 (5.74%). 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 Greenville spans $128,134,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 7.78% 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…
- ✓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 Greenville grew 83.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 37.2% growth in North Charleston over the same period.
Greenville, SC
$81,600 (2019) → $149,380 (2025)
North Charleston, SC
$115,150 (2024) → $157,957 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Greenville, SC
North Charleston, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Greenville or North Charleston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Greenville and North Charleston?
Should I relocate from Greenville to North Charleston as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Greenville vs North Charleston?
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