Optometrist Salary in Raleigh, NC: $168,123 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Raleigh, NC earns a median $168,123/year (≈ $80.83/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Raleigh's price level (2% below national, BEA RPP 98.2), that paycheck buys what $171,280 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.0% above the North Carolina state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Raleigh, North Carolina, the profession of optometry commands a competitive salary landscape, with a median annual pay of $168,123 as projected for 2026. This compensation reflects a significant premium when compared to the national median of $140,612, positioning Raleigh optometrists approximately 19.57% higher than the national average. The salary spectrum ranges from $103,207 for the bottom 10% (P10) to $220,190 for the top 10% (P90), indicating a diverse range of earning potential that may be influenced by factors such as surgical co-management with ophthalmologists. Such collaboration not only enhances patient care but also contributes to revenue sharing, adding another dimension to optometrist income. Based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, the outlook for optometrists in Raleigh appears robust, driven by an increasingly sophisticated healthcare environment.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $103,207 | $49.62 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $129,452 | $62.24 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $168,123 | $80.83 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $205,961 | $99.02 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $220,190 | $105.86 |
Median Salary Position
19.57% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Raleigh
In Raleigh, NC, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $116,983 (2026 est.). At $168,123, the local median is 19.57% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Raleigh: You'd be above the median
How Raleigh Optometrist Pay Compares
Raleigh median: $168,123/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Raleigh Pays |
|---|---|---|
| National Average | $140,612 | +19.57% more |
Optometrists in Raleigh, NC earn a median of $168,123 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.57% higher than the national median of $140,612.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Raleigh has a cost of living 1.84% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Raleigh, NC has a cost-of-living index of 98.157 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $168,123 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $171,280 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.88% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$101,270
2025 BLS Actual
$163,290
2026 Current Est.
$168,123
2019–2027 Growth
+70.9%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Raleigh (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $101,270 | Actual |
| 2020 | $116,180 | Actual |
| 2021 | $134,040 | Actual |
| 2022 | $134,610 | Actual |
| 2023 | $153,750 | Actual |
| 2024 | $153,730 | Actual |
| 2025 | $163,290 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $168,123 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $173,100 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Raleigh metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 61.2% from $101,270 (2019) to $163,290 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $173,100 by 2027 — a total increase of $71,830 (70.93%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Raleigh 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) | $103,207 – $129,452 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $129,452 – $168,123 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $168,123 – $205,961 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $205,961 – $220,190 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Raleigh
The job market for optometrists in Raleigh features around 240 currently employed professionals, indicating a stable demand for eye care services. Coupled with a cost of living index of 98.157, this appeals to both new and seasoned optometrists, as salary purchasing power remains relatively favorable. Private practices, especially those that have opted for the OD/MD model, tend to offer the highest compensation as they leverage surgical referral revenue. Conversely, retail optical chains like LensCrafters and Walmart Vision typically provide lower pay scales due to streamlined operations and corporate structures. To maximize earnings in this city, candidates may consider pursuing residency training, particularly in ocular disease or specialized pathways within the VA system, which can open doors to lucrative positions. Staying informed about market trends and seeking opportunities in private practices transitioning to private equity ownership may also provide avenues for enhanced compensation within the growing field.
More salary data for Raleigh, 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 $163,290 for optometristsin the Raleigh 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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