Optometrist Hourly Pay in Carrboro, NC: $76.18 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Carrboro, NC runs $76.18 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $158,460 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Carrboro's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $81.39 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $95,073 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Carrboro, North Carolina, optometrists earn a median hourly rate of $76.18, well above the national median of $67.60. This competitive rate is advantageous for professionals who are considering part-time or per-diem positions in diverse settings such as private optometry exam rooms, retail optical chains like LensCrafters or Visionworks, and specialty practices associated with hospitals. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, the demand for services can provide significant compensation compared to common entry-level rates, which start at approximately $44.19. Top earners in the area can reach hourly pay as high as $103.76, underscoring the diverse opportunities available to optometrists in Carrboro.
About the Carrboro Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($130,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44.19 | $353.52 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $65.18 | $521.47 |
| Median (P50) | $76.18 | $609.44 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $88.24 | $705.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $103.76 | $830.10 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Carrboro
Based on $76.18/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $76.18/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Carrboro, NC can expect to earn approximately $158,455 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $91,416. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Carrboro.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Carrboro
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,047.20 | $13,205 | $158,455 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,828.32 | $7,923 | $95,073 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,218.88 | $5,282 | $63,382 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Carrboro) | $76.18 |
| Dentist, General (National Avg) | $79.54 |
| Pharmacist (National Avg) | $66.51 |
| Opticians, Dispensing (National Avg) | $21.11 |
| Physician Assistant (National Avg) | $64.13 |
Optometrists in Carrboro, NC earn a median of $158,460 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.69% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 5.70% below the North Carolina state average of $168,038.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $76.18/hr = $95,073/year (purchasing power: $101,573).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $158,455/year (purchasing power: $169,289).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$62.44/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$73.99/hr
2026 Current Est.
$76.18/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Carrboro (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62.44/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $63.96/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $67.34/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $68.04/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $71.44/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $55.14/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $73.99/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76.18/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78.44/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Carrboro grew 18.5% from $62.44/hr (2019) to $73.99/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $78.44/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem optometrists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Carrboro 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.
Working as an Hourly Optometrist in Carrboro
When analyzing the financial implications of part-time work or per-diem opportunities, an optometrist working three days a week might earn significantly lower yearly compensation than their full-time counterparts. With per diem optometrists in Carrboro billing between $500 and $800 a day at retail chains, and even higher rates for fill-in roles in OD/MD practices, there is potential for lucrative earnings depending on the setting. For instance, residency-trained ocular disease practitioners in hospital settings could command hourly rates of $90-$130. However, while some choose positions with lower hourly pay to access health insurance benefits, others prioritize higher rates that come without those benefits. Negotiating effectively involves understanding the unique dynamics of employment types across Carrboro, whether it be group practices, retail chains, or military health systems, making it essential for job seekers to weigh their options carefully.
More salary data for Carrboro, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.96% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for optometrists in Carrboro. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Carrboro is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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