Optometrist Hourly Pay in Huntersville, NC: $81.70 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Huntersville, NC runs $81.70 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $169,924 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Huntersville's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $87.28 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $101,960 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Huntersville, North Carolina, the projected optometrist hourly pay is $81.70, significantly above the national hourly median of $67.60. This favorable rate reflects the robust demand for optometrists in both private practices and retail settings, such as LensCrafters and Walmart Vision. For part-time workers, such as those operating three days a week, this translates to a substantial income that can enhance job satisfaction and work-life balance. The hourly earnings in this profession span a range from $47.38 for entry-level positions to $118.37 for top-tier optometrists, indicating the potential for significant financial growth as one gains experience and expertise. It’s crucial to note that these hourly estimates are derived from annual salary projections, and compensation can vary based on the specific practice environment.
About the Huntersville 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) | $47.38 | $379.06 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $67.77 | $542.15 |
| Median (P50) | $81.70 | $653.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $97.60 | $780.77 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $118.37 | $946.98 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Huntersville
Based on $81.70/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $81.70/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Huntersville, NC can expect to earn approximately $169,933 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $98,039. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Huntersville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Huntersville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,267.95 | $14,161 | $169,933 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,960.77 | $8,497 | $101,960 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,307.18 | $5,664 | $67,973 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Huntersville) | $81.70 |
| 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 Huntersville, NC earn a median of $169,924 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.85% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 1.10% above the North Carolina state average of $168,075.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $81.70/hr = $101,960/year (purchasing power: $108,932).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $169,933/year (purchasing power: $181,553).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$66.96/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$79.35/hr
2026 Current Est.
$81.70/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Huntersville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $66.96/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $68.59/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $72.22/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $72.97/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $76.61/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $59.13/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $79.35/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81.70/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84.12/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Huntersville grew 18.5% from $66.96/hr (2019) to $79.35/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $84.12/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 Huntersville 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 Huntersville
Part-time optometrists in Huntersville working 24 hours a week can anticipate a comfortable income, taking home roughly $63,728 annually, a figure that can be attractive compared to full-time counterparts. On a per-diem basis, fill-in optometrists often command impressive daily rates, ranging from $500 to $1,200 depending on the practice type; for instance, those stepping into retail chains may find pay closer to $500-$800, while agency locums in OD/MD settings often see higher earnings. Compensation can vary widely across different employer types, including group practices, military health systems, and vision insurance plans. While some optometrists may opt for positions with lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance, others may prefer the flexibility and higher wages often associated with hourly positions without benefits. As negotiations occur, understanding market rates and the value of part-time flexibility can be advantageous for both part-time and per diem optometrists in Huntersville.
More salary data for Huntersville, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Huntersville in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Huntersville?
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Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Huntersville?
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 Huntersville. 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 Huntersville 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