Senior Optometrist Salary in Wilson, NC: $231,551 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of optometrists working in Wilson, NC — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $231,551/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1041. Strip back Wilson's price premium (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $247,384 in average-cost America. The 44% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Achieving a significant salary as a senior optometrist in Wilson, North Carolina, is highly attainable for those with exceptional skills and experience. In 2026, top-tier optometrists in this region can expect to earn as much as $231,551, far exceeding the national benchmark for experienced optometrists, which stands at $140,612. The median annual salary of $161,168 reflects a healthy increase over both local and national figures, showcasing the robust demand for seasoned professionals. Notably, the difference between median and peak earnings illustrates the experience premium available to optometrists who are willing to pursue advanced training and specialization, paving the way to outstanding financial opportunities in their careers.
About the Wilson Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($130,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Wilson
Experienced optometrists at the top of the pay scale in Wilson earn between $196,647 and $231,551 per year (2026 est.). This $136,326 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Wilson median of $161,168 sits 14.62% above the US median.
Top OD Salary Comparison
| Level | Wilson | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $161,168 | $140,612 |
| 75th Percentile | $196,647 | $170,008 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $231,551 | $208,165 |
In Wilson, experienced optometrists (P90) earn 43.67% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Optometrist Pay in Wilson
Advanced Certifications in North Carolina
NC optometrists with additional specialty certifications within the optometry field earn significantly above the $161,168 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Wilson employers.
Specialty Focus
Optometrists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the optometry field in Wilson command premium compensation, often reaching the $196,647–$231,551 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Wilson metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced optometrists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured optometrists in Wilson 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 Wilson
Clinical Optometrist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Optometrist
5-10 yearsOptometrist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedWilson ranks #30 of 44 North Carolina cities for top earner optometrist salary (90th percentile: $231,551).
Top 10% optometrist compensation in Wilson ($231,551) is 4.67% below the North Carolina average P90 ($242,905).
2019 BLS Actual
$215,906
2025 BLS Actual
$224,894
2026 Current Est.
$231,551
2019–2027 Growth
+10.4%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Wilson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $215,906 | Actual |
| 2020 | $217,808 | Actual |
| 2021 | $214,004 | Actual |
| 2022 | $212,936 | Actual |
| 2023 | $227,030 | Actual |
| 2024 | $170,611 | Actual |
| 2025 | $224,894 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $231,551 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $238,405 | Projected |
Top-earning optometrists (90th percentile) in Wilson saw their compensation grow 4.2% from $215,906 in 2019 to $224,894 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 $238,405 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wilson 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 Wilson
Specialization plays a vital role in enhancing the compensation of senior optometrists in Wilson. Those focusing on ocular disease, pediatric optometry, or advanced practices like cornea and contact lenses tend to command higher salaries. The type of employer significantly influences earning potential at the senior level. For instance, optometrists in private practices often enjoy greater flexibility and potentially lucrative practice ownership arrangements compared to their counterparts in retail chains like LensCrafters or Walmart Vision. Further advancement can come through leadership roles, such as becoming a practice owner or multi-location operator, and obtaining additional credentials such as a residency in ocular disease or enhanced glaucoma certifications can also increase earning prospects. Non-salary benefits, like equity from practice ownership or revenue shares from collaborative models with ophthalmologists, can further augment the overall compensation package for established practitioners.
More salary data for Wilson, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced optometrists make in Wilson in 2026?
What drives higher optometrist pay in Wilson?
What certifications boost optometrist salary in Wilson?
Can experienced optometrists make six figures in Wilson?
How much does optometrist salary increase over time in Wilson?
Related Pages
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Nearby Cities in North Carolina
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 $224,894 for optometrists in the Wilson 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 Wilson 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