Entry-Level Optometrist Salary in Wilmington, NC: $113,029 (2026)
Quick Answer:New optometrists entering the Wilmington, NC job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $113,029 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1041, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Wilmington's local price level (BEA RPP 96.4 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $117,223 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($168,648) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For those considering a career as an optometrist in Wilmington, North Carolina, the starting salary reflects a promising outlook. In 2026, entry-level optometrists can expect a salary beginning at around $113,029, which allows room for growth within the profession. While this starting figure is significantly lower than the city median of $168,648, it offers a solid foundation that can evolve rapidly—especially as new grads gain experience and move towards the 25th percentile salary of $138,780 within their first few years. Given Wilmington's healthcare needs and the expected growth rate of 2.96%, the market appears favorable for new graduates entering the optometry field. With this competitive entry-level pay in comparison to national averages, Wilmington could be a strategic choice for new optometry practitioners.
Career Earnings Timeline in Wilmington
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Wilmington
Entry-level optometrists in Wilmington, NC typically start between $113,029 and $138,780 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $252,932 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $168,648 — 19.94% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average optometry program cost in North Carolina of $145,000 represents just 128.29% of the starting optometrist pay ($113,029/year) in Wilmington. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on ACOE-accredited Doctor of Optometry programs. Public school OD programs offer lower in-state tuition, while private institutions carry higher out-of-pocket costs. Totals reflect tuition and fees for the 4-year professional program; clinical rotation travel and living costs add to the total cost of attendance.
OD Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Wilmington
- 1Research the Wilmington market: entry-level optometrist pay ranges from $113,029 to $138,780, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the optometry field — employers in NC often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Wilmington, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Wilmington for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Wilmington's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Optometrist Compensation Range
The optometrist wage spread in Wilmington is $252,932 ( 223.78%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $113,029, experienced hygienists can earn up to $365,961.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$60,380
2025 BLS Actual
$109,780
2026 Current Est.
$113,029
2019–2027 Growth
+92.7%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Wilmington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,380 | Actual |
| 2020 | $57,520 | Actual |
| 2021 | $99,880 | Actual |
| 2022 | $98,320 | Actual |
| 2023 | $101,920 | Actual |
| 2024 | $106,030 | Actual |
| 2025 | $109,780 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $113,029 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $116,375 | Projected |
Entry-level optometrist compensation (10th percentile) in Wilmington, NC grew 81.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $60,380 in 2019 to $109,780 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $116,375. New graduates entering the Wilmington job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wilmington metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.96% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your optometry Career in Wilmington
When looking for employment, fresh optometry graduates in Wilmington will find various opportunities tailored to their qualifications. Major retail chains, such as LensCrafters and Visionworks, often prioritize hiring new graduates, offering structured onboarding and ramp-up processes that can facilitate a smooth transition into the field. Established practices that are part of the VA system can also be attractive, usually looking for residency-trained ODs, especially in specialties like ocular disease. To increase their starting pay in North Carolina, new grads should ensure they possess an OD degree from an ACOE-accredited school, pass all parts of the NBEO exam, and obtain their state optometry license. Additionally, pursuing optional residencies and obtaining certifications can enhance employment prospects and salary potential. Realistic expectations for salary growth during the first few years should be based on gradual increases linked to experience and additional certifications, especially as the scope of practice expands to include opportunities in glaucoma management and the use of oral medications across most states. In this evolving market, strategic choices made in the early years can lead to long-term career benefits.
More salary data for Wilmington, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for optometrists in Wilmington in 2026?
How fast do optometrist salaries grow in Wilmington?
Is optometry school worth it in Wilmington?
What do new optometrists make right out of school in Wilmington?
How do I become a optometrist in North Carolina?
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new optometry graduates. A 2.96% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Wilmington. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.96%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for optometrists (SOC 29-1041).
Compiled and verified by Aisha Patel, OD, a licensed optometrist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov