Raleigh vs Salisbury: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Raleigh, NC and Salisbury, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Raleigh, NC | Salisbury, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $168,123▲ | $165,213 |
| Hourly Rate | $80.83▲ | $79.43 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $103,207▲ | $95,824 |
| 25th Percentile | $129,452 | $131,178▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $205,961▲ | $192,975 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $220,190 | $229,284▲ |
| Total Employed | 240▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Raleigh, NC offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Salisbury.
The salary gap between Raleigh and Salisbury is $2,910 (1.76%). Raleigh's median is +19.57% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Raleigh spans $116,983,Salisbury spans $133,460. Salisbury 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, Salisbury ($176,510 effective) pays 3.05% more than Raleigh ($171,280 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Raleigh if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($168,123/year)
- ✓Larger job market (240 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Salisbury if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($229,284)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $176,510)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Raleigh grew 61.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 34.2% growth in Salisbury over the same period.
Raleigh, NC
$101,270 (2019) → $163,290 (2025)
Salisbury, NC
$119,573 (2024) → $160,463 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Raleigh, NC
Salisbury, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Raleigh or Salisbury?
What is the hourly rate difference between Raleigh and Salisbury?
Should I relocate from Raleigh to Salisbury 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