Optometrist Hourly Pay in Kannapolis, NC: $81.56 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Kannapolis, NC runs $81.56 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $169,657 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Kannapolis's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $87.14 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $101,793 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kannapolis, North Carolina, optometrists earn a median hourly pay of $81.56, which notably exceeds the national median of $67.60. This disparity highlights the lucrative opportunities available in the area, particularly for those considering part-time roles or per-diem positions. For a typical work schedule of three days a week, part-time optometrists can expect to make a considerable income, with the hourly range spanning from $47.31 for entry-level positions to $117.93 for seasoned professionals. Given that these hourly estimates derive from annual salary data, they provide an essential framework for understanding potential earnings in diverse settings such as private optometry exam rooms, retail optical chain locations, outpatient clinics, and teaching facilities. Those working as per diem optometrists can also find promising earnings, reinforcing the attractiveness of this career path in Kannapolis.
About the Kannapolis 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) | $47.31 | $378.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $64.39 | $515.13 |
| Median (P50) | $81.56 | $652.52 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $99.07 | $792.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $117.93 | $943.44 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kannapolis
Based on $81.56/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $81.56/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kannapolis, NC can expect to earn approximately $169,655 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $97,878. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Kannapolis.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kannapolis
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,262.60 | $14,138 | $169,655 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,957.56 | $8,483 | $101,793 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,305.04 | $5,655 | $67,862 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Kannapolis) | $81.56 |
| 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 Kannapolis, NC earn a median of $169,657 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.66% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 0.90% above the North Carolina state average of $168,144.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $81.56/hr = $101,793/year (purchasing power: $108,753).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $169,655/year (purchasing power: $181,255).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$66.85/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$79.22/hr
2026 Current Est.
$81.56/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Kannapolis (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $66.85/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $68.48/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $72.10/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $72.85/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $76.49/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $59.03/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $79.22/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81.56/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $83.98/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Kannapolis grew 18.5% from $66.85/hr (2019) to $79.22/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $83.98/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 Kannapolis 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 Kannapolis
Shifts in the optometry profession have opened doors for part-time arrangements that allow flexibility while still generating significant income. For example, an optometrist working a 24-hour week at the median hourly rate could take home approximately $101,359 annually, which remains competitive compared to full-time roles. Per-diem opportunities vary significantly; retail chains may offer daily rates between $500 and $800, whereas OD/MD practices could pay up to $1,200 per day for fill-in roles. The employer type also influences earnings; private practices often offer lower hourly rates with included benefits, while retail optical chains may provide a higher hourly wage without such perks. This affects how many optometrists in Kannapolis approach negotiations—considering whether to prioritize immediate pay or long-term job security with benefits. Therefore, practical strategies for negotiating pay could encompass demonstrating value through experience, specializing in high-demand areas like glaucoma management or ocular disease, and leveraging the evolving landscape of optometry in NC to secure favorable terms.
More salary data for Kannapolis, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Kannapolis in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Kannapolis?
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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 Kannapolis. 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 Kannapolis 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