Optometrist Salary in Bluffton, SC: $122,430 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Bluffton, SC earns a median $122,430/year (≈ $58.86/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Bluffton's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.5), that paycheck buys what $133,803 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.8% below the South Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a 2026 median annual salary of $122,430 for optometrists, Bluffton, SC, offers competitive pay in a state where the scope of practice includes glaucoma management, oral medications, and select laser procedures. The salary structure here ranges from $71,009 at the lower end to $178,498 at the upper spectrum, reflecting a significant variance in compensation rates. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS state-level data adjusted for regional cost of living, highlight the local market's dynamics. Optometrists operating in Bluffton must consider both their expertise and the evolving healthcare landscape to maximize their earning potential, given the area's specific employment opportunities and patient demographic.
About the Bluffton Market
Salary estimated from South Carolina average ($122,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,009 | $34.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $99,883 | $48.02 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $122,430 | $58.86 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $148,327 | $71.31 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $178,498 | $85.82 |
Median Salary Position
12.93% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bluffton
In Bluffton, SC, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $107,489 (2026 est.). At $122,430, the local median is 12.93% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Bluffton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Bluffton Optometrist Pay Compares
Bluffton median: $122,430/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bluffton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina Average | $128,603 | -4.80% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -12.93% less |
Optometrists in Bluffton, SC earn a median of $122,430 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.93% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 4.80% below the South Carolina state average of $128,603.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bluffton has a cost of living 8.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bluffton, SC has a cost-of-living index of 91.5 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $122,430 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $133,803 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.29% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$100,347
2025 BLS Actual
$118,910
2026 Current Est.
$122,430
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Bluffton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $100,347 | Actual |
| 2020 | $102,785 | Actual |
| 2021 | $108,227 | Actual |
| 2022 | $109,350 | Actual |
| 2023 | $114,809 | Actual |
| 2024 | $106,224 | Actual |
| 2025 | $118,910 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $122,430 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $126,054 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bluffton metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $100,347 (2019) to $118,910 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $126,054 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,707 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bluffton 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) | $71,009 – $99,883 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $99,883 – $122,430 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $122,430 – $148,327 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $148,327 – $178,498 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Bluffton
The local job market for optometrists in Bluffton currently employs six professionals, indicating a small but stable community. With a cost-of-living index of 91.5, residents enjoy a purchasing power that is favorable compared to national averages, allowing for a more comfortable lifestyle on local salaries. Among potential employers, private optometry practices, especially those following the OD/MD model, typically offer the highest compensation. The difference in pay can often be attributed to various factors, including whether an optometrist is self-employed, works within a retail chain, or is affiliated with an ophthalmology practice, which can generate additional surgical referral revenue. For those seeking to enhance their earnings, strategies such as pursuing residency training or seeking roles in practices with strong patient referral networks can be beneficial in this Bluffton market.
More salary data for Bluffton, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make in Bluffton, SC in 2026?
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Can optometrists make $100K in Bluffton?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted optometrist salary in Bluffton?
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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 $118,910 for optometristsin the Bluffton 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 Bluffton 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