Optometrist Hourly Pay in Kernersville, NC: $80.09 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Kernersville, NC runs $80.09 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $166,583 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Kernersville's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $85.57 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $99,956 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kernersville, North Carolina, the current optometrist hourly pay is projected to be $80.09 in 2026, significantly above the national hourly median of $67.60. This generous compensation provides ample opportunities for both part-time professionals and per-diem optometrists in various settings, such as private clinics, retail chains, and outpatient facilities. For someone working part-time, say three days a week, the potential income can be particularly appealing as these professionals can manage a balanced workload while still earning a competitive rate. The hourly range for optometrists in the area runs from $46.46 for entry-level positions to $115.48 for those in senior roles or specialized practices, reflecting the diverse economic landscape of optometry in Kernersville.
About the Kernersville 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) | $46.46 | $371.64 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $64.41 | $515.29 |
| Median (P50) | $80.09 | $640.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $96.01 | $768.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $115.48 | $923.84 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kernersville
Based on $80.09/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $80.09/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kernersville, NC can expect to earn approximately $166,593 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $96,111. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Kernersville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kernersville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,203.70 | $13,883 | $166,593 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,922.22 | $8,330 | $99,956 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,281.48 | $5,553 | $66,637 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Kernersville) | $80.09 |
| 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 Kernersville, NC earn a median of $166,583 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.47% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 0.90% below the North Carolina state average of $168,096.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $80.09/hr = $99,956/year (purchasing power: $106,790).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $166,593/year (purchasing power: $177,984).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$65.65/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$77.79/hr
2026 Current Est.
$80.09/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Kernersville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $65.65/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $67.24/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $70.80/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $71.54/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $75.11/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $57.96/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $77.79/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80.09/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $82.46/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Kernersville grew 18.5% from $65.65/hr (2019) to $77.79/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $82.46/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 Kernersville 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 Kernersville
Optometrists in Kernersville who work part-time, for example, may take home around $61,338 annually working 24 hours a week, compared to a full-time optometrist earning significantly more. The per diem and agency market offers distinct income potential, with fill-in professionals billing between $500 and $800 daily at retail chains and as much as $1,200 per day in more specialized settings. Different employer types influence the hourly rates, with private offices typically offering a different compensation structure than retail chains or larger ophthalmology practices. While higher hourly rates can be found with less job security, many optometrists opt for roles that provide health insurance, which is often absent in those higher-paying positions. For those negotiating in Kernersville, highlighting advanced credentials such as residency training in ocular disease may provide leverage to secure a better rate or benefits package in this competitive job market.
More salary data for Kernersville, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Kernersville in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Kernersville?
Are optometrists in Kernersville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Kernersville?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Kernersville?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in North Carolina
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 Kernersville. 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 Kernersville 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