Optometrist Salary in Rocky Mount, NC: $163,294 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Rocky Mount, NC earns a median $163,294/year (≈ $78.51/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Rocky Mount's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.6), that paycheck buys what $174,459 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.9% below the North Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The 2026 median annual optometrist salary in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, is projected to be $163,294, reflecting a competitive position within the larger national context, where the average is $140,612. The local salary range spans from $94,710 at the lower end (P10) to $245,883 at the upper end (P90), indicating a diverse market for optometrists in the area. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost-of-living factors. With the scope of practice in North Carolina allowing for the management of glaucoma, prescription of oral medications, and certain laser procedures, these factors play a significant role in shaping compensation for optometrists as the demand for advanced services grows in Rocky Mount's local job market.
About the Rocky Mount Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($130,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $94,710 | $45.53 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $131,223 | $63.08 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $163,294 | $78.51 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $200,636 | $96.46 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $245,883 | $118.21 |
Median Salary Position
16.13% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Rocky Mount
In Rocky Mount, NC, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $151,173 (2026 est.). At $163,294, the local median is 16.13% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Rocky Mount: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Rocky Mount Optometrist Pay Compares
Rocky Mount median: $163,294/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Rocky Mount Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Average | $168,170 | -2.90% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | +16.13% more |
Optometrists in Rocky Mount, NC earn a median of $163,294 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.13% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 2.90% below the North Carolina state average of $168,170.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Rocky Mount 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.
Rocky Mount, NC has a cost-of-living index of 93.6 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $163,294 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $174,459 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.84% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$133,840
2025 BLS Actual
$158,599
2026 Current Est.
$163,294
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Rocky Mount (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $133,840 | Actual |
| 2020 | $137,092 | Actual |
| 2021 | $119,960 | Actual |
| 2022 | $124,230 | Actual |
| 2023 | $131,800 | Actual |
| 2024 | $118,184 | Actual |
| 2025 | $158,599 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $163,294 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $168,127 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Rocky Mount metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $133,840 (2019) to $158,599 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $168,127 by 2027 — a total increase of $34,287 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rocky Mount 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) | $94,710 – $131,223 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $131,223 – $163,294 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $163,294 – $200,636 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $200,636 – $245,883 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Rocky Mount
In Rocky Mount, there are currently eight practicing optometrists, highlighting a relatively modest local workforce that may create unique opportunities for job stability. The cost-of-living index sits at 93.6, suggesting that living expenses are below the national average, which can enhance the purchasing power of local salaries. Among employers, private optometry practices, especially those operating as solo or group practices, tend to offer the highest compensation compared to retail optical chains like LensCrafters and Visionworks. Factors such as ownership equity, partnerships with ophthalmologists in OD/MD models, and varying employment terms from private equity acquisitions contribute significantly to the wide salary range seen in this market. Those in Rocky Mount who wish to maximize their pay should consider pursuing residency training, which can provide a competitive edge, as well as actively seeking roles in practices that emphasize specialty care or collaborative models with other healthcare providers.
More salary data for Rocky Mount, 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 $158,599 for optometristsin the Rocky Mount 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 Rocky Mount 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