Optometrist Salary in Garner, NC: $161,286 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Garner, NC earns a median $161,286/year (≈ $77.54/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Garner's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.6), that paycheck buys what $172,314 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.1% below the North Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, optometrists in Garner, North Carolina are projected to earn a median annual salary of $161,286, reflecting the area's focus on a broad scope of practice that includes glaucoma management, oral medications, and certain laser procedures. Salaries for optometrists within the region range from $94,805 at the 10th percentile to $238,052 at the 90th percentile, indicating a diverse pay scale influenced by experience and employment setting. These figures derive from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and adjustments for local economic conditions. Given the rising demand for comprehensive eye care in Garner, job prospects in this profession appear promising, which can motivate new practitioners considering a career here.
About the Garner Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($130,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $94,805 | $45.58 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $133,154 | $64.02 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $161,286 | $77.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $196,683 | $94.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $238,052 | $114.45 |
Median Salary Position
14.70% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Garner
In Garner, NC, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $143,247 (2026 est.). At $161,286, the local median is 14.7% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Garner: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Garner Optometrist Pay Compares
Garner median: $161,286/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Garner Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Average | $168,181 | -4.10% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | +14.70% more |
Optometrists in Garner, NC earn a median of $161,286 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.70% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 4.10% below the North Carolina state average of $168,181.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Garner 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.
Garner, NC has a cost-of-living index of 93.6 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $161,286 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $172,314 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.84% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$132,194
2025 BLS Actual
$156,649
2026 Current Est.
$161,286
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Garner (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $132,194 | Actual |
| 2020 | $135,406 | Actual |
| 2021 | $142,575 | Actual |
| 2022 | $144,055 | Actual |
| 2023 | $151,247 | Actual |
| 2024 | $116,731 | Actual |
| 2025 | $156,649 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $161,286 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $166,060 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Garner metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $132,194 (2019) to $156,649 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $166,060 by 2027 — a total increase of $33,866 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Garner 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) | $94,805 – $133,154 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $133,154 – $161,286 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $161,286 – $196,683 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $196,683 – $238,052 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Garner
Analyzing the local job market reveals that currently, there are only four optometrists employed in Garner, which may suggest limited competition but also highlights potential for individual practices to thrive. The cost of living index in the area is 93.6, which is below the national average, indicating that optometrists can enjoy a favorable purchasing power, making their income stretch further. While private optometry practices often offer higher compensation due to ownership stakes and procedural revenue, retail chains and larger medical systems, like military health facilities, might provide more stability and benefits. The disparity in optometrist pay in Garner can be traced to various factors, including residency training advantages, practice ownership, and whether they operate under an OD/MD model. To maximize earning potential, optometrists should consider aligning with practices that leverage a robust referral network and offer diverse services, thereby enhancing both their financial and professional growth.
More salary data for Garner, 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 $156,649 for optometristsin the Garner 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 Garner 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