Optometrist Salary in Rock Hill, SC: $128,144 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Rock Hill, SC earns a median $128,144/year (≈ $61.61/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Rock Hill's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.5), that paycheck buys what $140,048 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.4% below the South Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, optometrists in Rock Hill, South Carolina, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $128,144, positioning them below the national average of $140,612, representing a difference of nearly 8.87%. The salary range for this profession in the area illustrates considerable earning potential, with estimates varying from $74,324 at the low end (P10) to $194,678 at the high end (P90). These figures derive from BLS state-level data and regional cost considerations, reflecting local market conditions and the expanded scope of practice in South Carolina, which includes the management of glaucoma and the ability to prescribe oral medications and perform select laser procedures. Such factors may create opportunities for optometrists, particularly those engaging in private practice or innovative treatment models, in a market that shows promise for growth.
About the Rock Hill Market
Salary estimated from South Carolina average ($122,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,324 | $35.74 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $104,010 | $50.01 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $128,144 | $61.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $158,481 | $76.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $194,678 | $93.59 |
Median Salary Position
8.87% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Rock Hill
In Rock Hill, SC, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $120,354 (2026 est.). At $128,144, the local median is 8.87% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Rock Hill: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Rock Hill Optometrist Pay Compares
Rock Hill median: $128,144/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Rock Hill Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina Average | $128,659 | -0.40% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -8.87% less |
Optometrists in Rock Hill, SC earn a median of $128,144 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.87% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 0.40% below the South Carolina state average of $128,659.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Rock Hill 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.
Rock Hill, SC has a cost-of-living index of 91.5 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $128,144 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $140,048 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.29% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$105,030
2025 BLS Actual
$124,460
2026 Current Est.
$128,144
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Rock Hill (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $105,030 | Actual |
| 2020 | $107,582 | Actual |
| 2021 | $113,278 | Actual |
| 2022 | $114,454 | Actual |
| 2023 | $120,168 | Actual |
| 2024 | $111,181 | Actual |
| 2025 | $124,460 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $128,144 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $131,937 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Rock Hill metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $105,030 (2019) to $124,460 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $131,937 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,907 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rock Hill 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) | $74,324 – $104,010 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $104,010 – $128,144 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $128,144 – $158,481 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $158,481 – $194,678 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Rock Hill
The job market for optometrists in Rock Hill currently includes approximately 11 employed in the region, indicating a competitive yet accessible landscape for recent graduates and seasoned professionals alike. With a cost-of-living index of 91.5, individuals working in this field can experience a favorable purchasing power relative to many other areas in the state. Profit-wise, private practices may provide higher compensation compared to retail optical chains like LensCrafters or Walmart Vision, especially for those who hold advanced residency training in ocular disease. Variability in compensation emerges from different practice models, where ownership can yield significant rewards. Optometrists looking to maximize their income should consider engaging in roles where they collaborate with ophthalmologists or exploring post-acquisition terms in private equity-held practices, ensuring they capitalize on the evolving compensation trends within the Rock Hill market.
More salary data for Rock Hill, 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 $124,460 for optometristsin the Rock Hill 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 Rock Hill 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