Optometrist Salary

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.

$175,143
Top 10% Earn
$84.20/hr
Top Hourly Rate
$146,710
75th Percentile
$175,143
90th Percentile

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Optometrist Senior Salary in Florence, SC — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Florence, SC optometrist senior salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

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

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for optometrists in Florence. The median salary is $124,916, compared to the national median of $140,612.$65.2K$94.9K$124.6K$154.2K$183.9K$72.5K10th Pctl$104.9K25th Pctl$124.9KMedian$146.7K75th Pctl$175.1K90th PctlUS Median$140.6K

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.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of optometrist pay in the Florence metro area.

Top OD Salary Comparison

LevelFlorenceNational
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

1

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.

2

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.

3

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.

4

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.

5

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 years
$72,452 – $124,916

Senior/Lead Optometrist

5-10 years
$124,916 – $146,710

Optometrist Department Manager

10+ years
$146,710+

Educator / Specialty Leadership

Advanced
Varies by role

Florence 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 (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for optometrists in Florence. Baseline $163,310 in 2025, projected to $180,327 by 2027.$149.7K$158.6K$167.5K$176.5K$185.4K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$163.3K$164.7K$161.9K$161.1K$171.7K$154.8K$170.1K$175.1K$180.3K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$163,310Actual
2020$164,748Actual
2021$161,871Actual
2022$161,063Actual
2023$171,723Actual
2024$154,771Actual
2025$170,108Actual
2026(current)$175,143Estimated
2027$180,327Projected

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 (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Florence metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do experienced optometrists make in Florence in 2026?

Top-earning optometrists in Florence (90th percentile) make $175,143/year, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 2.96% annual growth). This is $50,227 more than the area median of $124,916 — representing a significant experience premium. Senior optometrists typically reach this level after 10+ years of clinical experience combined with specialty certifications, strong patient relationships, and working at high-production or specialty practices.

What drives higher optometrist pay in Florence?

Higher optometrist pay in Florence is driven by several key factors: years of clinical experience (10+ years for top tier), specializations, expanded-function certifications that allow additional procedures, and employment at high-production practices or large organizations. Geographic factors within the metro area also matter — practices in affluent neighborhoods or underserved areas often pay premium rates. Building a loyal patient base and strong clinical reputation further supports salary negotiation.

What certifications boost optometrist salary in Florence?

The most impactful salary-boosting certifications for optometrists in Florence include specialty certifications, advanced treatment certifications, and expanded-function credentials. These certifications can increase earnings well above the median of $124,916, especially when combined with experience at specialty practices.

Can experienced optometrists make six figures in Florence?

Yes — the 90th percentile salary in Florence is $175,143, well above $100K. Optometrists with 10+ years of experience, advanced certifications, and strong negotiation skills are most likely to reach this level. Working at multiple practices, taking on mentoring responsibilities, or specializing in high-demand areas can further push earnings above six figures.

How much does optometrist salary increase over time in Florence?

In Florence, the gap between entry level ($72,452) and top earners ($175,143) is $102,691, reflecting significant earning potential over a career. Most salary growth occurs in the first 5–10 years through accumulated clinical experience and additional credentials. After year 10, growth slows unless you pursue management roles, teaching positions, or transition into consulting. Continuous professional development is essential for maximizing long-term earnings.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in South Carolina

AP

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.

Clinically reviewed by Rajiv Kumar, ODData verified by Sofia Martinez, OD

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).

View estimation methodology

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

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