Optometrist Salary in Monroe, NC: $161,651 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Monroe, NC earns a median $161,651/year (≈ $77.71/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Monroe's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.6), that paycheck buys what $172,704 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.8% below the North Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Optometrists in Monroe, North Carolina, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $161,651 in 2026, significantly higher than the national median of $140,612. This figure highlights the favorable compensation landscape in the area, supported by a salary range that spans from $96,129 at the 10th percentile to $233,172 at the 90th percentile. These estimates, developed from 2025 BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost variations, reflect not only the local demand for optometrists but also the impact of expanded practice capabilities including glaucoma management and the prescribing of oral medications. The unique job market dynamics in Monroe indicate a robust environment for eye care professionals, driven by a mix of private practices and larger health systems.
About the Monroe Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($130,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $96,129 | $46.22 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $133,897 | $64.37 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $161,651 | $77.71 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $194,195 | $93.36 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $233,172 | $112.10 |
Median Salary Position
14.96% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Monroe
In Monroe, NC, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $137,043 (2026 est.). At $161,651, the local median is 14.96% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Monroe: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Monroe Optometrist Pay Compares
Monroe median: $161,651/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Monroe Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Average | $168,037 | -3.80% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | +14.96% more |
Optometrists in Monroe, NC earn a median of $161,651 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.96% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 3.80% below the North Carolina state average of $168,037.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Monroe 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.
Monroe, NC has a cost-of-living index of 93.6 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $161,651 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $172,704 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.84% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$132,494
2025 BLS Actual
$157,004
2026 Current Est.
$161,651
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Monroe (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $132,494 | Actual |
| 2020 | $135,713 | Actual |
| 2021 | $142,898 | Actual |
| 2022 | $144,381 | Actual |
| 2023 | $151,589 | Actual |
| 2024 | $116,996 | Actual |
| 2025 | $157,004 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $161,651 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $166,436 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Monroe metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $132,494 (2019) to $157,004 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $166,436 by 2027 — a total increase of $33,942 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Monroe 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) | $96,129 – $133,897 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $133,897 – $161,651 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $161,651 – $194,195 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $194,195 – $233,172 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Monroe
Given the current job market in Monroe, with only six optometrists employed locally, the opportunity exists for new graduates and experienced practitioners alike to command competitive salaries in this field. The cost of living index is notably lower at 93.6, allowing for greater purchasing power and improved lifestyle options compared to the national average. Among potential employers, private optometry practices tend to offer the highest pay, while retail chains like Walmart Vision may provide stable employment options but typically at lower salary levels. The variability in compensation can stem from several factors, including ownership stakes, collaborations with ophthalmology practices, and the increasing influence of private equity in the region. To maximize earnings, aspiring optometrists in Monroe should consider pursuing additional credentials, such as residency training, or exploring opportunities within higher-paying practice models, which can enhance their marketability and salary potential.
More salary data for Monroe, 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 $157,004 for optometristsin the Monroe 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 Monroe 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