Optometrist Hourly Pay in Charlotte, NC: $77.82 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Charlotte, NC runs $77.82 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $161,863 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Charlotte's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.3, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $79.94 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $97,116 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Charlotte, North Carolina, the optometrist hourly pay stands at a competitive $77.82, significantly exceeding the national median of $67.60. This favorable hourly rate provides both full-time optometrists and part-time clinicians, who often work about three days a week, with the potential to earn a solid income even in reduced hours. For per-diem optometrists working in various settings—ranging from retail optical chains to VA outpatient clinics—the ability to earn between $19.44 as an entry-level practitioner and $103.85 for seasoned professionals highlights the profession's flexibility within the marketplace. This data, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS information projected for 2026, reflects a growing landscape that accommodates diverse work arrangements, catering to both those who seek stability and those looking for more casual work environments.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.44 | $155.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.81 | $406.49 |
| Median (P50) | $77.82 | $622.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $87.18 | $697.41 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $103.85 | $830.76 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Charlotte
Based on $77.82/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $77.82/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Charlotte, NC can expect to earn approximately $161,860 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $93,381. With a cost-of-living index of 97.35 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Charlotte.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Charlotte
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,112.69 | $13,488 | $161,860 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,867.61 | $8,093 | $97,116 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,245.07 | $5,395 | $64,744 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Charlotte) | $77.82 |
| 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 Charlotte, NC earn a median of $161,863 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.11% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 3.70% below the North Carolina state average of $168,082.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $77.82/hr = $97,116/year (purchasing power: $99,762).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $161,860/year (purchasing power: $166,269).
CoL index: 97.348 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$58.94/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$75.58/hr
2026 Current Est.
$77.82/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+35.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Charlotte (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58.94/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $62.33/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $62.54/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $65.61/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $72.68/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $74.38/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $75.58/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77.82/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80.12/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Charlotte grew 28.2% from $58.94/hr (2019) to $75.58/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $80.12/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 Charlotte 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 Charlotte
The earning potential for part-time optometrists in Charlotte can be substantial, depending on their weekly hours. A clinician working 24 hours a week could take home about $96,021 annually, demonstrating a viable option for those who prefer a part-time schedule. Per diem and locum tenens opportunities also reveal a lucrative side for practitioners, where daily rates can vary significantly; retail chains typically offer $500-$800 per day, while those filling in at OD/MD practices can see daily rates between $700 and $1,200. With hourly wages differing among employer types—private practices, retail optical chains like LensCrafters, and hospital systems—optometrists may make strategic decisions regarding employment to maximize not just wage but also benefits. Those accepting lower hourly rates may do so for health insurance and retirement plans, while others may prioritize higher hourly wages that come without these benefits. For future job seekers, understanding the negotiation dynamics in Charlotte is crucial; knowing the average optometrist hourly rate in NC and the competitive landscape can help in securing favorable pay arrangements in this evolving field.
More salary data for Charlotte, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Charlotte in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Charlotte?
Are optometrists in Charlotte paid hourly or salary?
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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 Charlotte. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
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