Optometrist Salary in Mauldin, SC: $126,653 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Mauldin, SC earns a median $126,653/year (≈ $60.89/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Mauldin's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.5), that paycheck buys what $138,419 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.6% below the South Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual salary for optometrists in Mauldin, South Carolina, stands at $126,653, reflecting a competitive income for professionals in the region, particularly when considering the local scope of practice. With the ability to manage glaucoma, prescribe oral medications, and engage in certain laser procedures, optometrists can leverage their clinical skills to enhance their earning potential. Salaries range from $73,459 at the 10th percentile to $176,203 for those at the 90th percentile, providing a significant disparity influenced by various factors like practice ownership and patient demographics. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, allowing for a nuanced understanding of the financial landscape for optometrists in Mauldin.
About the Mauldin Market
Salary estimated from South Carolina average ($122,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,459 | $35.32 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $105,735 | $50.83 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $126,653 | $60.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $148,295 | $71.30 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $176,203 | $84.72 |
Median Salary Position
9.93% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Mauldin
In Mauldin, SC, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $102,744 (2026 est.). At $126,653, the local median is 9.93% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Mauldin: You'd be above the median
How Mauldin Optometrist Pay Compares
Mauldin median: $126,653/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Mauldin Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina Average | $128,713 | -1.60% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -9.93% less |
Optometrists in Mauldin, SC earn a median of $126,653 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.93% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 1.60% below the South Carolina state average of $128,713.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Mauldin 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.
Mauldin, SC has a cost-of-living index of 91.5 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $126,653 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $138,419 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.29% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$103,809
2025 BLS Actual
$123,012
2026 Current Est.
$126,653
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Mauldin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $103,809 | Actual |
| 2020 | $106,331 | Actual |
| 2021 | $111,960 | Actual |
| 2022 | $113,122 | Actual |
| 2023 | $118,770 | Actual |
| 2024 | $109,888 | Actual |
| 2025 | $123,012 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $126,653 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $130,402 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Mauldin metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $103,809 (2019) to $123,012 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $130,402 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,593 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Mauldin 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) | $73,459 – $105,735 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $105,735 – $126,653 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $126,653 – $148,295 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $148,295 – $176,203 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Mauldin
Within Mauldin's job market, six optometrists are currently employed, indicating a small yet potentially stable workforce in the area. The cost of living index in Mauldin is set at 91.5, significantly below the national average, which suggests that the purchasing power of an optometrist's salary may stretch further than in more expensive regions. The highest salaries are likely found within private optometry practices, especially those that have adopted the OD/MD model, enabling revenue sharing through surgical referrals. Retail chains like LensCrafters may not compete on salary but often offer stability and patient volume. Factors influencing the pay variance include practice ownership equity, the impact of residency training on earning potential, and the terms of employment in practices that have transitioned to private equity ownership. For optometrists in Mauldin, strategies such as pursuing specialized residency training or considering affiliations with thriving practices can bolster their earning capacity while adjusting to the local market dynamics.
More salary data for Mauldin, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can optometrists make $100K in Mauldin?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted optometrist salary in Mauldin?
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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 $123,012 for optometristsin the Mauldin 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 Mauldin 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