Salisbury vs Winston: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Salisbury, NC and Winston, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Salisbury, NC | Winston, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $165,213 | $167,351▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $79.43 | $80.45▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $95,824 | $98,945▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $131,178▲ | $130,739 |
| 75th Percentile | $192,975 | $194,100▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $229,284▲ | $207,083 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 70▲ |
Verdict
Winston, NC offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Salisbury.
The salary gap between Salisbury and Winston is $2,138 (1.29%). Winston's median is +19.02% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Salisbury spans $133,460,Winston spans $108,138. Salisbury 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 3.01% more than Salisbury ($176,510 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Salisbury if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($229,284)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Winston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($167,351/year)
- ✓Larger job market (70 employed)
- ✓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 Salisbury grew 34.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 29.9% growth in Winston over the same period.
Salisbury, NC
$119,573 (2024) → $160,463 (2025)
Winston, NC
$125,120 (2019) → $162,540 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Salisbury, NC
Winston, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Salisbury or Winston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Salisbury and Winston?
Should I relocate from Salisbury to Winston as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Salisbury vs Winston?
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