Optometrist Salary in Mooresville, NC: $161,716 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Mooresville, NC earns a median $161,716/year (≈ $77.75/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Mooresville's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.6), that paycheck buys what $172,774 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.8% below the North Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the compensated landscape for optometrists in Mooresville, North Carolina, presents a median annual salary of $161,716, which reflects a competitive edge compared to the national average of $140,612. This figure suggests a salary range that spans from $96,274 at the lowest tenth percentile (P10) to $239,114 at the top percentile (P90), illustrating the diverse earning potential within the field. These salary estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for local cost factors, emphasizing Mooresville's unique position in the regional job market. With a scope of practice allowing optometrists to manage conditions like glaucoma and prescribe oral medications, those in the area may find their professional roles significantly impactful and financially rewarding.
About the Mooresville Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($130,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $96,274 | $46.28 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $134,030 | $64.44 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $161,716 | $77.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $188,279 | $90.52 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $239,114 | $114.95 |
Median Salary Position
15.01% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Mooresville
In Mooresville, NC, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $142,840 (2026 est.). At $161,716, the local median is 15.01% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Mooresville: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Mooresville Optometrist Pay Compares
Mooresville median: $161,716/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Mooresville Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Average | $168,104 | -3.80% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | +15.01% more |
Optometrists in Mooresville, NC earn a median of $161,716 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.01% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 3.80% below the North Carolina state average of $168,104.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Mooresville 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.
Mooresville, NC has a cost-of-living index of 93.6 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $161,716 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $172,774 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.84% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$132,547
2025 BLS Actual
$157,067
2026 Current Est.
$161,716
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Mooresville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $132,547 | Actual |
| 2020 | $135,767 | Actual |
| 2021 | $142,955 | Actual |
| 2022 | $144,439 | Actual |
| 2023 | $151,650 | Actual |
| 2024 | $117,043 | Actual |
| 2025 | $157,067 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $161,716 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $166,503 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Mooresville metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $132,547 (2019) to $157,067 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $166,503 by 2027 — a total increase of $33,956 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Mooresville 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) | $96,274 – $134,030 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $134,030 – $161,716 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $161,716 – $188,279 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $188,279 – $239,114 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Mooresville
The job market for optometrists in Mooresville includes a modest cohort of 13 professionals, supported by the area's lower cost of living index of 93.6, which offers enhanced purchasing power relative to other regions. This affordability can influence overall satisfaction and lifestyle for optometrists, making the area appealing for both new graduates and seasoned practitioners. Among local employers, private optometry practices and ophthalmology groups tend to offer higher compensation compared to retail chains. Factors such as ownership equity in private practices, practice models that integrate with surgical referrals, and advanced residency training can create a wide pay spectrum. To maximize earnings, aspiring optometrists should consider pursuing residency training or aligning with practices that embrace the OD/MD model, gain experience with higher-revenue conditions, and negotiate employment terms with an eye on post-acquisition setups that potentially enhance income stability in Mooresville.
More salary data for Mooresville, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make in Mooresville, NC in 2026?
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Can optometrists make $100K in Mooresville?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted optometrist salary in Mooresville?
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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 $157,067 for optometristsin the Mooresville 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 Mooresville 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