Senior Optometrist Salary in Florence, SC: $175,143 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of optometrists working in Florence, SC — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $175,143/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1041. Strip back Florence's price premium (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $191,413 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

Senior optometrists in Florence, South Carolina, have the potential to earn substantial salaries that reflect their extensive experience and specialized training. With a median annual salary of $124,916 in 2026, the financial rewards can be particularly lucrative for top earners, who may reach figures as high as $175,143 (P90) or $146,710 (P75). This impressive pay scale places seasoned professionals significantly above the median salary for their peers nationally, which stands at $140,612. The gap between median salaries and top-tier earnings demonstrates the value of advanced credentials and experience; reaching the upper echelon in this market generally requires not just years of practice, but also acquired specializations and leadership roles that enhance patient care and operational excellence.
About the Florence Market
Salary estimated from South Carolina average ($122,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Florence
Experienced optometrists at the top of the pay scale in Florence earn between $146,710 and $175,143 per year (2026 est.). This $102,691 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Florence median of $124,916 sits 11.16% below the US median.
Top OD Salary Comparison
| Level | Florence | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $124,916 | $140,612 |
| 75th Percentile | $146,710 | $170,008 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $175,143 | $208,165 |
In Florence, experienced optometrists (P90) earn 40.21% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Optometrist Pay in Florence
Advanced Certifications in South Carolina
SC optometrists with additional specialty certifications within the optometry field earn significantly above the $124,916 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Florence employers.
Specialty Focus
Optometrists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the optometry field in Florence command premium compensation, often reaching the $146,710–$175,143 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Florence metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced optometrists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured optometrists in Florence 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 South 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 Florence
Clinical Optometrist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Optometrist
5-10 yearsOptometrist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedFlorence ranks #16 of 26 South Carolina cities for top earner optometrist salary (90th percentile: $175,143).
Top 10% optometrist compensation in Florence ($175,143) is 3.46% below the South Carolina average P90 ($181,414).
2019 BLS Actual
$163,310
2025 BLS Actual
$170,108
2026 Current Est.
$175,143
2019–2027 Growth
+10.4%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Florence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $163,310 | Actual |
| 2020 | $164,748 | Actual |
| 2021 | $161,871 | Actual |
| 2022 | $161,063 | Actual |
| 2023 | $171,723 | Actual |
| 2024 | $154,771 | Actual |
| 2025 | $170,108 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $175,143 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $180,327 | Projected |
Top-earning optometrists (90th percentile) in Florence saw their compensation grow 4.2% from $163,310 in 2019 to $170,108 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 $180,327 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Florence 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 Florence
Beyond the primary salary figures, several factors influence compensation strategies for senior optometrists in Florence. Specializations such as ocular disease management, pediatric optometry, and vision therapy not only enhance clinical capabilities but also command higher salaries. Employment type also plays a significant role, as optometrists in private practices, whether solo or in groups, frequently receive different compensation packages compared to those in retail optical chains or multi-disciplinary ophthalmic settings. Leadership positions, such as practice ownership or becoming a partner in an OD/MD practice, present additional pathways for financial growth. Moreover, advanced credentials like an OD degree from an ACOE-accredited school, state licensure, and optional residencies can further distinguish practitioners in the competitive Florence market, alongside the evolving landscape of optometry which now includes expanded scope-of-practice options. Non-salary compensation, such as equity ownership or revenue-sharing in joint practice setups, adds another layer of financial incentive that seasoned optometrists should consider in their career trajectories.
More salary data for Florence, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced optometrists make in Florence in 2026?
What drives higher optometrist pay in Florence?
What certifications boost optometrist salary in Florence?
Can experienced optometrists make six figures in Florence?
How much does optometrist salary increase over time in Florence?
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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 $170,108 for optometrists in the Florence 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 Florence 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