Senior Optometrist Salary in Matthews, NC: $232,988 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of optometrists working in Matthews, NC — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $232,988/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1041. Strip back Matthews's price premium (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $248,919 in average-cost America. The 40% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, experienced optometrists in Matthews, North Carolina, stand to earn a median annual salary of $166,191, with top earners (P90) reaching up to $232,988. This figure positions them significantly above the national median of $140,612 for the same year, highlighting a noteworthy experience premium in this market. The gap between the median and top-tier pay reflects the potential for advanced career growth and specialization. To reach such high earnings, optometrists typically require years of experience, advanced certifications, and often a specialization, such as ocular disease or pediatrics, which not only deepens their expertise but also enhances their marketability in a competitive field.
About the Matthews Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($130,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Matthews
Experienced optometrists at the top of the pay scale in Matthews earn between $195,170 and $232,988 per year (2026 est.). This $136,597 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Matthews median of $166,191 sits 18.19% above the US median.
Top OD Salary Comparison
| Level | Matthews | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $166,191 | $140,612 |
| 75th Percentile | $195,170 | $170,008 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $232,988 | $208,165 |
In Matthews, experienced optometrists (P90) earn 40.19% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Optometrist Pay in Matthews
Advanced Certifications in North Carolina
NC optometrists with additional specialty certifications within the optometry field earn significantly above the $166,191 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Matthews employers.
Specialty Focus
Optometrists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the optometry field in Matthews command premium compensation, often reaching the $195,170–$232,988 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Matthews metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced optometrists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured optometrists in Matthews with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Optometrists in North Carolina who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Optometrist Career & Wage Growth Path in Matthews
Clinical Optometrist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Optometrist
5-10 yearsOptometrist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedMatthews ranks #27 of 44 North Carolina cities for top earner optometrist salary (90th percentile: $232,988).
Top 10% optometrist compensation in Matthews ($232,988) is 4.08% below the North Carolina average P90 ($242,905).
2019 BLS Actual
$217,246
2025 BLS Actual
$226,290
2026 Current Est.
$232,988
2019–2027 Growth
+10.4%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Matthews (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $217,246 | Actual |
| 2020 | $219,160 | Actual |
| 2021 | $215,333 | Actual |
| 2022 | $214,258 | Actual |
| 2023 | $228,439 | Actual |
| 2024 | $171,748 | Actual |
| 2025 | $226,290 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $232,988 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $239,885 | Projected |
Top-earning optometrists (90th percentile) in Matthews saw their compensation grow 4.2% from $217,246 in 2019 to $226,290 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.96% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $239,885 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Matthews 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.
Maximizing Your Optometrist Earnings in Matthews
When analyzing the factors that contribute to senior optometrist pay in NC, several specific areas of specialization emerge as commanding premium compensation. For instance, roles in ocular disease, pediatric optometry, and vision therapy are particularly lucrative. Moreover, compensation can vary significantly among different employer types; for example, optometrists in private practices or partnerships may see higher earnings compared to those in retail optical chains due to their ability to build patient relationships and business equity. Advancement opportunities abound as well, including leadership roles like associate OD or partnership in an OD/MD model, which can further enhance earnings through shared revenue from surgical referrals. Additional factors, such as residency training and advanced credentials, including glaucoma certification and oral pharmaceutical agents, play a crucial role in boosting salaries. As the optometry field evolves with its expanding scope of practice, especially in states like North Carolina, experienced optometrists who adapt and continue their education often reap the financial rewards.
More salary data for Matthews, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced optometrists make in Matthews in 2026?
What drives higher optometrist pay in Matthews?
What certifications boost optometrist salary in Matthews?
Can experienced optometrists make six figures in Matthews?
How much does optometrist salary increase over time in Matthews?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $226,290 for optometrists in the Matthews metro area. A 2.96% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Matthews 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