New Bern vs Wilmington: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between New Bern, NC and Wilmington, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | New Bern, NC | Wilmington, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $164,874 | $168,648▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $79.27 | $81.08▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $95,627 | $113,029▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $130,492 | $138,780▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $195,603 | $227,892▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $234,393 | $365,961▲ |
| Total Employed | 7 | 120▲ |
Verdict
Wilmington, NC offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to New Bern.
The salary gap between New Bern and Wilmington is $3,774 (2.29%). 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 New Bern spans $138,766,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, New Bern ($176,147 effective) pays 0.71% more than Wilmington ($174,906 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose New Bern if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $176,147)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Wilmington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($168,648/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($365,961)
- ✓Larger job market (120 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in New Bern grew 34.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 58.3% growth in Wilmington over the same period.
New Bern, NC
$119,328 (2024) → $160,134 (2025)
Wilmington, NC
$103,480 (2019) → $163,800 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
New Bern, NC
Wilmington, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: New Bern or Wilmington?
What is the hourly rate difference between New Bern and Wilmington?
Should I relocate from New Bern to Wilmington as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in New Bern vs Wilmington?
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