Optometrist Salary in Conway, SC: $151,602 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Conway, SC earns a median $151,602/year (≈ $72.89/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Conway's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.5), that paycheck buys what $165,685 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 17.8% above the South Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, optometrists in Conway, South Carolina, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $151,602, which positions them slightly ahead of the national average of $140,612. This figure reflects the financial benefits that arise from surgical co-management collaborations between optometrists and ophthalmologists, leading to additional revenue streams that significantly enhance overall compensation. Salaries in this field range from $90,697 at the lower end (P10) to $209,155 for top earners (P90), showcasing a robust earning potential based on experience, practice setting, and market demand. These estimates are derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted according to regional price levels, illustrating Conway's competitive landscape for eye care professionals and hinting at the growth opportunities available in this vibrant community.
About the Conway Market
Salary estimated from South Carolina average ($122,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $90,697 | $43.60 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $125,745 | $60.46 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $151,602 | $72.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $177,689 | $85.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $209,155 | $100.55 |
Median Salary Position
7.82% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Conway
In Conway, SC, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $118,458 (2026 est.). At $151,602, the local median is 7.82% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Conway: You'd be above the median
How Conway Optometrist Pay Compares
Conway median: $151,602/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Conway Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina Average | $128,695 | +17.80% more |
| National Average | $140,612 | +7.82% more |
Optometrists in Conway, SC earn a median of $151,602 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.82% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 17.80% above the South Carolina state average of $128,695.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Conway 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.
Conway, SC has a cost-of-living index of 91.5 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $151,602 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $165,685 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.29% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$124,258
2025 BLS Actual
$147,244
2026 Current Est.
$151,602
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Conway (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $124,258 | Actual |
| 2020 | $127,277 | Actual |
| 2021 | $134,015 | Actual |
| 2022 | $135,406 | Actual |
| 2023 | $142,166 | Actual |
| 2024 | $102,997 | Actual |
| 2025 | $147,244 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $151,602 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $156,090 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Conway metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $124,258 (2019) to $147,244 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $156,090 by 2027 — a total increase of $31,832 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Conway 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) | $90,697 – $125,745 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $125,745 – $151,602 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $151,602 – $177,689 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $177,689 – $209,155 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Conway
Employment among optometrists in Conway is limited, with only four professionals currently operating in the area, underscoring a relatively niche job market that may offer unique opportunities for new graduates. The cost of living index in Conway stands at 91.5, which is below the national average and suggests that local optometrists enjoy a better purchasing power compared to many other regions. Optometrists seeking higher pay might find the most lucrative positions in ophthalmology practices, particularly those employing the OD/MD model, which allows for shared revenue from surgical referrals. Conversely, retail optical chains generally offer lower pay scales. To maximize earnings, optometrists can consider focusing on specialty training that allows for broader scopes of practice, such as managing glaucoma or using oral medications, particularly in an evolving landscape where such competencies are increasingly valued.
More salary data for Conway, SC:
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 $147,244 for optometristsin the Conway 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 Conway 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