Raleigh vs Wilmington: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Raleigh, NC and Wilmington, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Raleigh, NC | Wilmington, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $168,123 | $168,648▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $80.83 | $81.08▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $103,207 | $113,029▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $129,452 | $138,780▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $205,961 | $227,892▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $220,190 | $365,961▲ |
| Total Employed | 240▲ | 120 |
Verdict
Wilmington, NC offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Raleigh.
The salary gap between Raleigh and Wilmington is $525 (0.31%). 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 Raleigh spans $116,983,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, Wilmington ($174,906 effective) pays 2.12% 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…
- ✓Larger job market (240 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Wilmington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($168,648/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($365,961)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $174,906)
- ✓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 58.3% growth in Wilmington over the same period.
Raleigh, NC
$101,270 (2019) → $163,290 (2025)
Wilmington, NC
$103,480 (2019) → $163,800 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Raleigh, NC
Wilmington, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Raleigh or Wilmington?
What is the hourly rate difference between Raleigh and Wilmington?
Should I relocate from Raleigh to Wilmington as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Raleigh vs Wilmington?
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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