Optometrist Hourly Pay in Mint Hill, NC: $79.25 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Mint Hill, NC runs $79.25 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $164,835 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Mint Hill's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $84.67 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $98,902 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Mint Hill, North Carolina, optometrists are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $79.25 by 2026, significantly higher than the national median of $67.60. This favorable hourly pay provides ample opportunities for both full-time and part-time practitioners, particularly those working three days a week or in per-diem settings within various environments, such as private optometry exam rooms, retail chains, and teaching clinics. The hourly wage spectrum in Mint Hill ranges from approximately $45.96 for entry-level roles to around $112.63 for the most experienced optometrists. These estimates are derived from annual salary data, emphasizing how a solid hourly rate can make these positions attractive for those seeking flexibility in their work-life balance.
About the Mint Hill 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) | $45.96 | $367.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $62.70 | $501.62 |
| Median (P50) | $79.25 | $633.99 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $93.99 | $751.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $112.63 | $901.02 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Mint Hill
Based on $79.25/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $79.25/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Mint Hill, NC can expect to earn approximately $164,836 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $95,098. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Mint Hill.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Mint Hill
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,169.93 | $13,736 | $164,836 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,901.96 | $8,242 | $98,902 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,267.97 | $5,495 | $65,935 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Mint Hill) | $79.25 |
| 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 Mint Hill, NC earn a median of $164,835 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.23% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 2.00% below the North Carolina state average of $168,199.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $79.25/hr = $98,902/year (purchasing power: $105,664).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $164,836/year (purchasing power: $176,107).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$64.95/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$76.97/hr
2026 Current Est.
$79.25/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Mint Hill (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64.95/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $66.53/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $70.05/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $70.78/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $74.32/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $57.36/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $76.97/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $79.25/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81.59/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Mint Hill grew 18.5% from $64.95/hr (2019) to $76.97/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $81.59/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 Mint Hill 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 Mint Hill
Exploring the income dynamics for part-time optometrists in Mint Hill, an individual working a typical 3-day week (approximately 24 hours) could earn around $81,888 annually, a salary that may be appealing compared to full-time options. For those considering per-diem opportunities, the pay can vary notably, with retail chain positions offering daily rates between $500 and $800, while fee-for-service practices may provide $700 to $1,200 per day. Residency-trained professionals often command even higher rates in hospital settings, translating into $90 to $130 per hour. Such variability in optometrist hourly pay in NC reflects the diverse employment environments, from independent practices to corporate chain locations. Accepting a slightly lower hourly wage at traditional practices might come with benefits like health insurance, while those seeking higher pay without benefits often work in more variable settings. Negotiating effectively involves emphasizing skills, including advanced scopes of practice, which can enhance earning potential within Mint Hill’s evolving healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Mint Hill, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Mint Hill. 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 Mint Hill 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