Raleigh vs Winston: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Raleigh, NC and Winston, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Raleigh, NC | Winston, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $168,123▲ | $167,351 |
| Hourly Rate | $80.83▲ | $80.45 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $103,207▲ | $98,945 |
| 25th Percentile | $129,452 | $130,739▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $205,961▲ | $194,100 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $220,190▲ | $207,083 |
| Total Employed | 240▲ | 70 |
Verdict
Raleigh, NC offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Winston.
The salary gap between Raleigh and Winston is $772 (0.46%). 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,Winston spans $108,138. Raleigh 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, Winston ($181,818 effective) pays 6.15% 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)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($220,190)
- ✓Larger job market (240 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Winston if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $181,818)
- ✓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 29.9% growth in Winston over the same period.
Raleigh, NC
$101,270 (2019) → $163,290 (2025)
Winston, NC
$125,120 (2019) → $162,540 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Raleigh, NC
Winston, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Raleigh or Winston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Raleigh and Winston?
Should I relocate from Raleigh to Winston as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Raleigh vs Winston?
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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