Optometrist Salary in Sanford, NC: $165,760 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Sanford, NC earns a median $165,760/year (≈ $79.69/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Sanford's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.6), that paycheck buys what $177,094 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.4% below the North Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a projected median annual optometrist salary in Sanford, NC, reaching $165,760 in 2026, the compensation for eyecare professionals in this region is notably higher than the national median of $140,612. The salary range is quite broad, spanning from $96,141 at the 10th percentile to $237,402 at the 90th percentile. These estimates, based on 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, reflect various employment structures in Sanford, including independently owned practices, employed associate roles, and positions within retail chains. The choice between these models influences income potential, as ownership often correlates with higher earnings. With just five optometrists currently practicing in Sanford, the market offers a small but potentially lucrative landscape for those navigating their career options in this city.
About the Sanford Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($130,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $96,141 | $46.22 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $132,292 | $63.60 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $165,760 | $79.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $197,720 | $95.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $237,402 | $114.13 |
Median Salary Position
17.88% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Sanford
In Sanford, NC, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $141,261 (2026 est.). At $165,760, the local median is 17.88% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Sanford: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Sanford Optometrist Pay Compares
Sanford median: $165,760/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Sanford Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Average | $168,114 | -1.40% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | +17.88% more |
Optometrists in Sanford, NC earn a median of $165,760 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.88% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 1.40% below the North Carolina state average of $168,114.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Sanford 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.
Sanford, NC has a cost-of-living index of 93.6 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $165,760 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $177,094 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.84% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$135,862
2025 BLS Actual
$160,995
2026 Current Est.
$165,760
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Sanford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $135,862 | Actual |
| 2020 | $139,163 | Actual |
| 2021 | $146,531 | Actual |
| 2022 | $148,051 | Actual |
| 2023 | $155,443 | Actual |
| 2024 | $119,970 | Actual |
| 2025 | $160,995 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $165,760 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $170,667 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Sanford metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $135,862 (2019) to $160,995 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $170,667 by 2027 — a total increase of $34,805 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sanford 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) | $96,141 – $132,292 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $132,292 – $165,760 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $165,760 – $197,720 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $197,720 – $237,402 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Sanford
Understanding the local job market and cost of living is essential for maximizing optometrist pay in Sanford, NC. With a cost-of-living index of 93.6, residents enjoy lower expenses compared to many national averages, which bolsters their take-home purchasing power. Optometrists working in private practices or those linked with ophthalmology (OD/MD models) tend to earn more due to additional revenue streams and patient referrals. Conversely, retail optical chains might offer lower salaries but could provide benefits such as predictable hours and benefits packages. The pay disparity in Sanford can largely stem from factors like practice ownership equity, variations in practice settings, and whether optometrists have undergone residency training, especially in ocular disease. For those seeking to elevate their salaries, establishing a robust network, considering ownership, or pursuing advanced residency training could enhance their earning potential significantly.
More salary data for Sanford, 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 $160,995 for optometristsin the Sanford 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 Sanford 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