Optometrist Salary in Hanahan, SC: $127,402 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Hanahan, SC earns a median $127,402/year (≈ $61.25/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Hanahan's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.5), that paycheck buys what $139,237 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.0% below the South Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hanahan, SC, the projected median annual salary for optometrists in 2026 is estimated at $127,402, indicating a slightly lower figure compared to the national median of $140,612. The salary range for optometrists here varies significantly, with entry-level positions earning around $73,893 while experienced professionals can make as much as $183,236. These figures reflect local estimates informed by 2025 BLS state-level data and regional price adjustments. Given the competitive nature of the market, especially as practice ownership and employment structures evolve, those considering their career paths in optometry in Hanahan should carefully weigh options between joining a retail chain, a private practice, or establishing their own practice.
About the Hanahan Market
Salary estimated from South Carolina average ($122,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,893 | $35.52 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $102,362 | $49.21 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $127,402 | $61.25 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $152,725 | $73.42 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $183,236 | $88.09 |
Median Salary Position
9.39% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hanahan
In Hanahan, SC, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $109,343 (2026 est.). At $127,402, the local median is 9.39% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Hanahan: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Hanahan Optometrist Pay Compares
Hanahan median: $127,402/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Hanahan Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina Average | $128,689 | -1.00% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -9.39% less |
Optometrists in Hanahan, SC earn a median of $127,402 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.39% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 1.00% below the South Carolina state average of $128,689.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Hanahan 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.
Hanahan, SC has a cost-of-living index of 91.5 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $127,402 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $139,237 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.29% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$104,422
2025 BLS Actual
$123,739
2026 Current Est.
$127,402
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Hanahan (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $104,422 | Actual |
| 2020 | $106,959 | Actual |
| 2021 | $112,622 | Actual |
| 2022 | $113,791 | Actual |
| 2023 | $119,472 | Actual |
| 2024 | $110,538 | Actual |
| 2025 | $123,739 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $127,402 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $131,173 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hanahan metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $104,422 (2019) to $123,739 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $131,173 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,751 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hanahan 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) | $73,893 – $102,362 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $102,362 – $127,402 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $127,402 – $152,725 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $152,725 – $183,236 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Hanahan
A closer look at the job market shows that there are currently four optometrists working in Hanahan, which points to a relatively small yet potentially stable local professional community. The cost-of-living index stands at 91.5, indicating that living expenses in this area are below the national average, which can enhance the effective purchasing power of salaries for optometrists. Retail optical chains, which generally offer structured employment but can have lower payout ranges, are predominant employers in this area. Factors impacting salary disparities include ownership stakes in practice, as well as residency training focused on ocular disease, which can elevate pay. To maximize earnings, optometrists may consider specializing in high-demand areas like glaucoma treatment or exploring collaborative opportunities within OD/MD models that allow for shared revenue from surgical referrals.
More salary data for Hanahan, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can optometrists make $100K in Hanahan?
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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 $123,739 for optometristsin the Hanahan 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 Hanahan 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