Optometrist Salary in Chapel Hill, NC: $173,256 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Chapel Hill, NC earns a median $173,256/year (≈ $83.29/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Chapel Hill's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.6), that paycheck buys what $185,103 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.1% above the North Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Chapel Hill, North Carolina, an optometrist's median salary is projected to reach $173,256 in 2026, indicating a robust compensation structure that outperforms the national median by over 23%. The salary range for this profession varies significantly, from $100,489 at the 10th percentile to as high as $264,016 at the 90th percentile. These figures reflect local estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional economic conditions. In this market, the structural choices between independent practice ownership, employed associate positions, and retail optical chains significantly influence an optometrist's earnings, creating diverse pathways for compensation depending on the work environment and business model chosen.
About the Chapel Hill Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($130,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $100,489 | $48.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $134,505 | $64.67 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $173,256 | $83.29 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $208,153 | $100.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $264,016 | $126.93 |
Median Salary Position
23.22% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chapel Hill
In Chapel Hill, NC, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $163,527 (2026 est.). At $173,256, the local median is 23.22% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Chapel Hill: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Chapel Hill Optometrist Pay Compares
Chapel Hill median: $173,256/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chapel Hill Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Average | $168,046 | +3.10% more |
| National Average | $140,612 | +23.22% more |
Optometrists in Chapel Hill, NC earn a median of $173,256 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.22% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 3.10% above the North Carolina state average of $168,046.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chapel Hill 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.
Chapel Hill, NC has a cost-of-living index of 93.6 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $173,256 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $185,103 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.84% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$142,006
2025 BLS Actual
$168,275
2026 Current Est.
$173,256
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Chapel Hill (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $142,006 | Actual |
| 2020 | $145,456 | Actual |
| 2021 | $153,156 | Actual |
| 2022 | $154,746 | Actual |
| 2023 | $162,472 | Actual |
| 2024 | $121,470 | Actual |
| 2025 | $168,275 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $173,256 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $178,384 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chapel Hill metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $142,006 (2019) to $168,275 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $178,384 by 2027 — a total increase of $36,378 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chapel 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $100,489 – $134,505 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $134,505 – $173,256 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $173,256 – $208,153 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $208,153 – $264,016 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Chapel Hill
The optometrist job market in Chapel Hill features a small but steady cohort of nine employed practitioners, highlighting the need for professionals who can navigate local employment opportunities strategically. The cost of living index in the area stands at 93.6, which suggests that the relatively lower cost of living could enhance overall purchasing power despite high salaries. Among employers, private optometry practices, especially those with strong patient bases or innovative service offerings, typically provide the highest compensation. The wide pay range is driven by factors such as ownership equity, the OD/MD practice model that capitalizes on surgical referrals, and variations between retail chain pay and independent practice revenue. For those looking to maximize their earnings in Chapel Hill, pursuing residency training, particularly in specialized fields like ocular disease, can provide a competitive edge, along with actively seeking opportunities that allow for practice ownership or partnerships in thriving practices.
More salary data for Chapel 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
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 $168,275 for optometristsin the Chapel Hill 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 Chapel 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