Optometrist Salary in Greenville, NC: $164,199 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Greenville, NC earns a median $164,199/year (≈ $78.94/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Greenville's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.6), that paycheck buys what $175,426 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.3% below the North Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, optometrists in Greenville, North Carolina, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $164,199, reflecting a competitive edge over the national median of $140,612 by about 16.77%. The salary range for this profession spans from $95,235 at the 10th percentile to $249,032 at the 90th percentile, presenting opportunities across various employment models, including private practices, retail chains, and ophthalmology settings. These figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional economic factors. In a market where 22 optometrists are currently employed, the dynamics of practice ownership and employment structure significantly influence earning potential, with those in private practice often positioned for greater compensation, depending on the business model.
About the Greenville Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($130,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $95,235 | $45.79 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $133,021 | $63.95 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $164,199 | $78.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $202,820 | $97.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $249,032 | $119.73 |
Median Salary Position
16.77% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Greenville
In Greenville, NC, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $153,797 (2026 est.). At $164,199, the local median is 16.77% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Greenville: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Greenville Optometrist Pay Compares
Greenville median: $164,199/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Greenville Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Average | $168,064 | -2.30% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | +16.77% more |
Optometrists in Greenville, NC earn a median of $164,199 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.77% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 2.30% below the North Carolina state average of $168,064.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Greenville 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.
Greenville, NC has a cost-of-living index of 93.6 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $164,199 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $175,426 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.84% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$134,582
2025 BLS Actual
$159,478
2026 Current Est.
$164,199
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Greenville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $134,582 | Actual |
| 2020 | $137,851 | Actual |
| 2021 | $145,150 | Actual |
| 2022 | $146,656 | Actual |
| 2023 | $153,978 | Actual |
| 2024 | $118,839 | Actual |
| 2025 | $159,478 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $164,199 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $169,059 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Greenville metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $134,582 (2019) to $159,478 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $169,059 by 2027 — a total increase of $34,477 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Greenville 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) | $95,235 – $133,021 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $133,021 – $164,199 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $164,199 – $202,820 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $202,820 – $249,032 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Greenville
The local job market for optometrists in Greenville reveals nuanced factors driving salary variations. With a cost-of-living index of 93.6, the purchasing power for residents holds an advantage, making it easier for optometrists to thrive financially. Positions with private optometry practices usually offer higher pay than retail optical chains. Meanwhile, those who have pursued residency training or work within OD/MD models can command wages that reflect their specialized skills and direct contributions to revenue through surgical referrals. Practitioners looking to maximize their income in this area should focus on building a stable patient base, exploring partnerships with ophthalmology practices for collaborative care, and strengthening their credentials through ongoing education. The evolving scope of practice in optometry could also further enhance earning potential, especially for those who embrace new roles in glaucoma management and other advanced eye care techniques.
More salary data for Greenville, 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 $159,478 for optometristsin the Greenville 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 Greenville 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