Optometrist Salary in Carrboro, NC: $158,460 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Carrboro, NC earns a median $158,460/year (≈ $76.18/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Carrboro's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.6), that paycheck buys what $169,295 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.7% below the North Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Carrboro, NC, the projected median compensation for optometrists in 2026 reaches an impressive $158,460, placing it notably 12.69% above the national median of $140,612. The salary spectrum here extends from $91,906 at the lower end to $215,828 at the higher tier, based on local estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost variations. Factors such as the growing trend of surgical co-management in the OD/MD model significantly contribute to this favorable compensation landscape. As Carrboro's optometry job market continues to expand, the financial prospects for skilled practitioners appear robust, especially for those engaged in comprehensive patient management.
About the Carrboro Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($130,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $91,906 | $44.19 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $135,576 | $65.18 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $158,460 | $76.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $183,529 | $88.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $215,828 | $103.76 |
Median Salary Position
12.69% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Carrboro
In Carrboro, NC, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $123,922 (2026 est.). At $158,460, the local median is 12.69% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Carrboro: You'd be above the median
How Carrboro Optometrist Pay Compares
Carrboro median: $158,460/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Carrboro Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Average | $168,038 | -5.70% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | +12.69% more |
Optometrists in Carrboro, NC earn a median of $158,460 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.69% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 5.70% below the North Carolina state average of $168,038.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Carrboro has a cost of living 6.40% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Carrboro, NC has a cost-of-living index of 93.6 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $158,460 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $169,295 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.84% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$129,878
2025 BLS Actual
$153,904
2026 Current Est.
$158,460
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Carrboro (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $129,878 | Actual |
| 2020 | $133,033 | Actual |
| 2021 | $140,077 | Actual |
| 2022 | $141,530 | Actual |
| 2023 | $148,596 | Actual |
| 2024 | $114,686 | Actual |
| 2025 | $153,904 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $158,460 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $163,150 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Carrboro metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $129,878 (2019) to $153,904 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $163,150 by 2027 — a total increase of $33,272 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Carrboro 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $91,906 – $135,576 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $135,576 – $158,460 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $158,460 – $183,529 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $183,529 – $215,828 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Carrboro
Six optometrists currently serve the Carrboro area, indicating a relatively small but strong local practice environment. The city's cost of living index stands at 93.6, which suggests that take-home pay can stretch further than in areas with higher living costs. Those seeking higher salaries might find opportunities in private optometry practices, particularly those incorporating an OD/MD model, as these often generate additional revenue through surgical referral arrangements. The disparities in compensation can often be attributed to factors such as practice ownership versus employment in retail chains, residency training in ocular disease, and the evolving job terms following recent acquisitions by private equity. For optometrists looking to maximize their earning potential, pursuing advanced residencies and actively engaging in the local professional community can provide advantageous pathways.
More salary data for Carrboro, 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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $153,904 for optometristsin the Carrboro metropolitan area. A 2.96% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Carrboro 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