Optometrist Hourly Pay in High Point, NC: $80.38 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in High Point, NC runs $80.38 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $167,190 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against High Point's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $85.88 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $100,315 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In High Point, NC, optometrists can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $80.38 in 2026, surpassing the national average of $67.60. This higher hourly rate positions optometrists in the area favorably, particularly beneficial for those pursuing part-time roles or per-diem work at local private optometry practices, retail optical chains, or clinics affiliated with hospitals. The hourly pay scale ranges widely, with entry-level positions starting around $46.62 and top earners bringing in up to $124.04 per hour. These figures illustrate a favorable economic landscape for optometrists, whether they choose to work three days a week, engage in per-diem roles, or take on positions in various local settings such as university teaching clinics or Veterans Affairs outpatient facilities.
About the High Point 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) | $46.62 | $372.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $64.29 | $514.31 |
| Median (P50) | $80.38 | $643.05 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $100.09 | $800.70 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $124.04 | $992.29 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in High Point
Based on $80.38/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $80.38/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in High Point, NC can expect to earn approximately $167,192 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $96,457. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in High Point.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in High Point
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,215.23 | $13,933 | $167,192 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,929.14 | $8,360 | $100,315 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,286.09 | $5,573 | $66,877 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (High Point) | $80.38 |
| 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 High Point, NC earn a median of $167,190 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.90% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 0.60% below the North Carolina state average of $168,199.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $80.38/hr = $100,315/year (purchasing power: $107,174).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $167,192/year (purchasing power: $178,624).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$65.88/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$78.07/hr
2026 Current Est.
$80.38/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in High Point (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $65.88/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $67.48/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $71.06/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $71.79/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $75.38/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $58.18/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $78.07/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80.38/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $82.76/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in High Point grew 18.5% from $65.88/hr (2019) to $78.07/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $82.76/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 High Point 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 High Point
Examining the realities of part-time work highlights significant earning potential. An optometrist working three days a week, totaling approximately 24 hours, can still achieve a respectable income, although notably less than full-time hours. Per diem optometrists in High Point often bring home between $500 to $800 each day at retail locations, while those filling in at OD/MD practices rate from $700 to $1,200 daily. For residency-trained ocular disease optometrists, hourly payments can stretch from $90 to $130. Employment in private optometry practices typically offers a lower hourly rate compared to retail chains, but may include benefits that factor into total compensation. Negotiating for higher hourly rates could be approached by highlighting unique skills, especially in expanding scopes like glaucoma management. Understanding the pay structure across varied employer types in High Point is crucial for career decisions that align with both financial and personal goals.
More salary data for High Point, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 High Point. 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 High Point 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