Optometrist Salary in South Carolina: $148,302 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across South Carolina's 26 metropolitan areas, the average median optometrist pay sits at $148,302/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 29-1041. Because South Carolina sits at BEA RPP 91.5 (8% below the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $162,079 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: North Charleston ($157,957), Columbia ($156,350), Charleston ($154,660).
In South Carolina, the projected average median salary for optometrists in 2026 is $148,303, which is 5.5% higher than the national median of $140,612. There is a significant salary range across different cities, with the highest paying city, North Charleston, at $162,633, and the lowest, Clemson, at $118,479, resulting in a gap of $44,154. This disparity can be attributed to local demand for eye care services, cost of living variations, and the concentration of healthcare facilities in urban areas. The state's optometry landscape is shaped by specific licensing requirements and scope of practice laws that allow optometrists to perform a range of services, impacting their earning potential. The demand for eye care continues to grow, driven by an aging population and increasing awareness of eye health issues. Job market projections indicate a steady growth rate of 2.96% annually, reflecting a stable demand for the profession. Of the 451 optometrists currently employed in South Carolina, cities such as Columbia, Charleston, Greer, and Anderson show promise, with projected salaries of $160,978, $159,238, $157,511, and $157,352, respectively. This trend signifies a strong outlook for optometrists in the state.
South Carolina Optometrist Salary Range
Overall salary range in South Carolina: $45,786 (lowest entry-level) to $240,496 (highest top earner)
South Carolina vs National Average
South Carolina optometrists earn 5.47% more than the national median (+$7,690/year difference).
South Carolina Optometrist Salary Distribution (2026)
Optometrist salaries in South Carolina range from $63,641 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $181,414 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $148,302. The South Carolina median is $7,690 above the US national median of $140,612. The average hourly rate is $71.30/hr. Approximately 451 optometrists are employed across 26 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$111,799
2025 BLS Actual
$144,039
2026 Current Est.
$148,302
2019–2027 Growth
+36.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in South Carolina (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $111,799 | Actual |
| 2020 | $99,420 | Actual |
| 2021 | $96,854 | Actual |
| 2022 | $99,204 | Actual |
| 2023 | $116,395 | Actual |
| 2024 | $128,531 | Actual |
| 2025 | $144,039 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $148,302 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $152,692 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the South Carolina metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 28.8% from $111,799 (2019) to $144,039 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $152,692 by 2027 — a total increase of $40,893 (36.58%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the South Carolina 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.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in South Carolina
Lowest Paying Cities in South Carolina
Best Value Cities for Optometrists in South Carolina
When adjusted for local cost of living, these South Carolina cities offer the most purchasing power for optometrists.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Charleston | $162,633 | 91.5 | $177,741 |
| Greer | $157,511 | 91.5 | $172,143 |
| Anderson | $157,352 | 91.5 | $171,969 |
| Columbia | $160,978 | 93.662 | $171,871 |
| Conway | $151,602 | 91.5 | $165,685 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in South Carolina
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $63,641 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $148,302 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $181,414 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across South Carolina metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 26 Cities in South Carolina
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | North Charleston | $162,633 |
| 2 | Columbia | $160,978 |
| 3 | Charleston | $159,238 |
| 4 | Greer | $157,511 |
| 5 | Anderson | $157,352 |
| 6 | Myrtle Beach | $154,450 |
| 7 | Greenville | $153,802 |
| 8 | Conway | $151,602 |
| 9 | Mount Pleasant | $130,548 |
| 10 | Rock Hill | $128,144 |
| 11 | Hilton Head Island | $127,801 |
| 12 | Aiken | $127,582 |
| 13 | Hanahan | $127,402 |
| 14 | Mauldin | $126,653 |
| 15 | Summerville | $125,974 |
| 16 | Florence | $124,916 |
| 17 | Spartanburg | $124,866 |
| 18 | Simpsonville | $123,897 |
| 19 | Fort Mill | $123,839 |
| 20 | Goose Creek | $123,548 |
| 21 | Sumter | $122,530 |
| 22 | Bluffton | $122,430 |
| 23 | Lexington | $121,527 |
| 24 | Easley | $119,359 |
| 25 | Tega Cay | $118,702 |
| 26 | Clemson | $118,479 |
More South Carolina Salary Data
Hourly Rates
Explore optometrist hourly pay in South Carolina cities.
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced optometrists.
Explore More Optometrist Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make in South Carolina in 2026?
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How does South Carolina optometrist pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level optometrist salary in South Carolina?
How many optometrists are employed in South Carolina?
Which South Carolina city offers the best value for optometrists?
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
Statewide 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. A 2.96% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 optometrist compensation across South Carolina. State averages are employment-weighted across 26 metro areas — larger metro areas with more optometristscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
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