Senior Optometrist Salary in Winston-Salem, NC: $266,381 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of optometrists working in Winston-Salem, NC — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $266,381/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1041. Strip back Winston-Salem's price premium (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $284,595 in average-cost America. The 53% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, an experienced optometrist salary in Winston-Salem, NC, reflects the potential for substantial earnings, particularly for top-tier professionals. Those in the 90th percentile can expect to earn $266,381 annually, which significantly outpaces the national top earners' median of $140,612. The median salary for seasoned optometrists in this region is projected at $174,240, indicating an impressive experience premium. This gap highlights the financial rewards available for practitioners who develop specialized skills or take on leadership roles within their practices. Achieving such impressive compensation often requires not only years of experience but also advanced credentials and a commitment to ongoing education and residency training in niche areas of optometry.
About the Winston-Salem Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($130,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Winston-Salem
Experienced optometrists at the top of the pay scale in Winston-Salem earn between $214,043 and $266,381 per year (2026 est.). This $165,322 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Winston-Salem median of $174,240 sits 23.92% above the US median.
Top OD Salary Comparison
| Level | Winston-Salem | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $174,240 | $140,612 |
| 75th Percentile | $214,043 | $170,008 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $266,381 | $208,165 |
In Winston-Salem, experienced optometrists (P90) earn 52.88% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Optometrist Pay in Winston-Salem
Advanced Certifications in North Carolina
NC optometrists with additional specialty certifications within the optometry field earn significantly above the $174,240 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Winston-Salem employers.
Specialty Focus
Optometrists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the optometry field in Winston-Salem command premium compensation, often reaching the $214,043–$266,381 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Winston-Salem metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced optometrists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured optometrists in Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem
Clinical Optometrist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Optometrist
5-10 yearsOptometrist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedWinston-Salem ranks #3 of 44 North Carolina cities for top earner optometrist salary (90th percentile: $266,381).
Top 10% optometrist compensation in Winston-Salem ($266,381) is 9.66% above the North Carolina average P90 ($242,905).
2019 BLS Actual
$248,383
2025 BLS Actual
$258,723
2026 Current Est.
$266,381
2019–2027 Growth
+10.4%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Winston-Salem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $248,383 | Actual |
| 2020 | $250,572 | Actual |
| 2021 | $246,195 | Actual |
| 2022 | $244,967 | Actual |
| 2023 | $261,180 | Actual |
| 2024 | $195,466 | Actual |
| 2025 | $258,723 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $266,381 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $274,266 | Projected |
Top-earning optometrists (90th percentile) in Winston-Salem saw their compensation grow 4.2% from $248,383 in 2019 to $258,723 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 $274,266 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem
Winston-Salem offers various avenues for senior optometrists seeking premium pay above the median. Those specializing in ocular disease, pediatric optometry, and advanced contact lens fitting can command higher salaries in the local market. The choice of employer significantly influences compensation dynamics; private optometry practices and ophthalmology offices typically provide better remuneration compared to retail chains. Leadership roles, such as owning a practice or becoming a partner in an OD/MD model, can further elevate one’s earning potential. Attaining advanced credentials, like a residency in a specialty area or glaucoma certification, will contribute to competitive advantages in salary negotiations. Additionally, aspects of non-salary compensation, such as equity in clinic ownership or revenue-sharing arrangements, continue to enhance overall earnings for senior optometrists in Winston-Salem and across NC.
More salary data for Winston-Salem, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced optometrists make in Winston-Salem in 2026?
What drives higher optometrist pay in Winston-Salem?
What certifications boost optometrist salary in Winston-Salem?
Can experienced optometrists make six figures in Winston-Salem?
How much does optometrist salary increase over time in Winston-Salem?
Related Pages
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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 $258,723 for optometrists in the Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem 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