Optometrist Salary in Spartanburg, SC: $124,866 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Spartanburg, SC earns a median $124,866/year (≈ $60.04/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Spartanburg's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.5), that paycheck buys what $136,466 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.9% below the South Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Spartanburg, South Carolina, the projected annual earnings for optometrists are pegged at $124,866 for 2026, reflecting a competitive local pay scale amid varied employment structures. The salary range spans significantly, from $72,422 at the lower end to $174,666 for the upper echelon of the profession. These figures, derived from projections based on 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost considerations, position Spartanburg optometrists on the lower side of the national average, which stands at $140,612. The current market dynamics are influenced by choices such as practice ownership versus employment at retail chains or larger practices, which can directly impact income potential and job satisfaction within Spartanburg’s unique health care environment.
About the Spartanburg Market
Salary estimated from South Carolina average ($122,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,422 | $34.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $104,839 | $50.40 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $124,866 | $60.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $146,781 | $70.57 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $174,666 | $83.97 |
Median Salary Position
11.2% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Spartanburg
In Spartanburg, SC, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $102,244 (2026 est.). At $124,866, the local median is 11.2% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Spartanburg: You'd be above the median
How Spartanburg Optometrist Pay Compares
Spartanburg median: $124,866/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Spartanburg Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina Average | $128,595 | -2.90% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -11.20% less |
Optometrists in Spartanburg, SC earn a median of $124,866 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.20% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 2.90% below the South Carolina state average of $128,595.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Spartanburg 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.
Spartanburg, SC has a cost-of-living index of 91.5 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $124,866 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $136,466 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.29% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$102,344
2025 BLS Actual
$121,276
2026 Current Est.
$124,866
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Spartanburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $102,344 | Actual |
| 2020 | $104,830 | Actual |
| 2021 | $110,380 | Actual |
| 2022 | $111,526 | Actual |
| 2023 | $117,093 | Actual |
| 2024 | $108,337 | Actual |
| 2025 | $121,276 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $124,866 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $128,562 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Spartanburg metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $102,344 (2019) to $121,276 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $128,562 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,218 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Spartanburg 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) | $72,422 – $104,839 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $104,839 – $124,866 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $124,866 – $146,781 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $146,781 – $174,666 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Spartanburg
The local job market for optometrists is relatively limited, with only seven professionals currently employed in the area, yet the cost of living index at 91.5 indicates that salaries may stretch further than they would in higher-cost regions. In Spartanburg, optometrists working in private practice settings or those affiliated with ophthalmology practices often have better pay compared to retail optical chains, which tend to offer lower compensation models. The divergence in salary is primarily driven by factors such as ownership equity opportunities, the potential revenue from surgical referrals in OD/MD collaborations, and the varying impacts of clientele within retail versus private domains. For those aiming to maximize their earnings in Spartanburg SC, pursuing residency training—particularly in ocular disease—or securing a position in privately owned practices may enhance their earning potential significantly in this evolving sector.
More salary data for Spartanburg, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make in Spartanburg, SC in 2026?
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Can optometrists make $100K in Spartanburg?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted optometrist salary in Spartanburg?
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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 $121,276 for optometristsin the Spartanburg 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 Spartanburg 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