Optometrist Salary in Fort Mill, SC: $123,839 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Fort Mill, SC earns a median $123,839/year (≈ $59.54/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Fort Mill's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.5), that paycheck buys what $135,343 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.7% below the South Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, an optometrist salary in Fort Mill, South Carolina, is projected to reach a median annual figure of $123,839—a competitive rate compared to the national average of $140,612. Local practitioners can expect to see earnings ranging from $72,486 at the lower percentile to $173,628 at the upper end. The income potential reflects estimates derived from 2025 BLS state-level data and regional price parities, showcasing the market dynamics unique to the Fort Mill area. Factors such as surgical co-management within the OD/MD model have been instrumental in enhancing revenue opportunities for optometrists, thereby influencing the overall salary landscape in the region.
About the Fort Mill Market
Salary estimated from South Carolina average ($122,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,486 | $34.85 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $101,553 | $48.82 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $123,839 | $59.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $146,498 | $70.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $173,628 | $83.48 |
Median Salary Position
11.93% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fort Mill
In Fort Mill, SC, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $101,142 (2026 est.). At $123,839, the local median is 11.93% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Fort Mill: You'd be above the median
How Fort Mill Optometrist Pay Compares
Fort Mill median: $123,839/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fort Mill Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina Average | $128,597 | -3.70% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -11.93% less |
Optometrists in Fort Mill, SC earn a median of $123,839 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.93% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 3.70% below the South Carolina state average of $128,597.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fort Mill 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.
Fort Mill, SC has a cost-of-living index of 91.5 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $123,839 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $135,343 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.29% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$101,502
2025 BLS Actual
$120,279
2026 Current Est.
$123,839
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Fort Mill (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $101,502 | Actual |
| 2020 | $103,968 | Actual |
| 2021 | $109,473 | Actual |
| 2022 | $110,609 | Actual |
| 2023 | $116,131 | Actual |
| 2024 | $107,446 | Actual |
| 2025 | $120,279 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $123,839 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $127,505 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fort Mill metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $101,502 (2019) to $120,279 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $127,505 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,003 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fort Mill 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) | $72,486 – $101,553 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $101,553 – $123,839 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $123,839 – $146,498 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $146,498 – $173,628 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Fort Mill
The local job market for optometrists in Fort Mill is relatively small, with only five professionals currently employed in the area. This limited number translates into a competitive environment, particularly given the cost-of-living index of 91.5, which is below the national average. Such a lower cost of living allows for a better purchasing power for residents. Among potential employers, ophthalmology practices utilizing the OD/MD model typically offer higher pay than retail chains like Walmart Vision or LensCrafters. Variances in salaries often arise due to factors such as ownership stakes in practices, experience with specialty training (like ocular disease residencies), and the terms that come with employment in private equity-owned practices. For those looking to maximize optometrist pay in Fort Mill SC, establishing strong referral networks, pursuing advanced training, and considering positions that incorporate surgical management responsibilities can lead to more lucrative opportunities.
More salary data for Fort Mill, 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 $120,279 for optometristsin the Fort Mill 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 Fort Mill 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