Optometrist Salary in Tega Cay, SC: $118,702 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Tega Cay, SC earns a median $118,702/year (≈ $57.07/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Tega Cay's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.5), that paycheck buys what $129,729 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.7% below the South Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, optometrists in Tega Cay, South Carolina, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $118,702, reflecting the influence of expanding revenue streams from the OD/MD model of surgical co-management. The salary range for this profession varies considerably, with the lower end starting at $70,868 and the upper-tier reaching $163,747. These local salary projections are based on estimates derived from BLS state-level data and regional cost adjustments, providing a snapshot of what optometrists can expect in Tega Cay's job market. Optometrists in this area enjoy a growing demand for their services, essential for maintaining healthy vision in the community.
About the Tega Cay Market
Salary estimated from South Carolina average ($122,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $70,868 | $34.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $98,444 | $47.33 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $118,702 | $57.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $139,028 | $66.84 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $163,747 | $78.72 |
Median Salary Position
15.58% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Tega Cay
In Tega Cay, SC, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $92,879 (2026 est.). At $118,702, the local median is 15.58% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Tega Cay: You'd be above the median
How Tega Cay Optometrist Pay Compares
Tega Cay median: $118,702/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Tega Cay Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina Average | $128,604 | -7.70% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -15.58% less |
Optometrists in Tega Cay, SC earn a median of $118,702 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.58% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 7.70% below the South Carolina state average of $128,604.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Tega Cay 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.
Tega Cay, SC has a cost-of-living index of 91.5 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $118,702 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $129,729 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.29% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$97,291
2025 BLS Actual
$115,289
2026 Current Est.
$118,702
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Tega Cay (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $97,291 | Actual |
| 2020 | $99,655 | Actual |
| 2021 | $104,931 | Actual |
| 2022 | $106,020 | Actual |
| 2023 | $111,313 | Actual |
| 2024 | $102,989 | Actual |
| 2025 | $115,289 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $118,702 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $122,215 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Tega Cay metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $97,291 (2019) to $115,289 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $122,215 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,924 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tega Cay 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) | $70,868 – $98,444 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $98,444 – $118,702 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $118,702 – $139,028 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $139,028 – $163,747 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Tega Cay
Looking closer, the Tega Cay job market consists of just four employed optometrists, highlighting a relatively small yet dedicated workforce. The cost-of-living index in Tega Cay stands at 91.5, which is below the national average and crucial for understanding the local financial landscape; it means that take-home pay can stretch further compared to more expensive regions. Among local employers, private optometry practices often offer higher compensation compared to retail optical chains, influenced by factors like ownership equity, the integration with ophthalmology practices, and the presence of residency-trained professionals. To maximize earnings in Tega Cay, optometrists should consider leveraging procedural offerings, seek partnerships with surgical centers, and stay abreast of evolving scope-of-practice regulations, particularly as the field continues to expand into areas like glaucoma and innovative ocular treatments.
More salary data for Tega Cay, 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 $115,289 for optometristsin the Tega Cay 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 Tega Cay 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