Greenville vs Tega Cay: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Greenville, SC and Tega Cay, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Greenville, SC | Tega Cay, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $153,802▲ | $118,702 |
| Hourly Rate | $73.95▲ | $57.07 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,786 | $70,868▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $97,936 | $98,444▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $170,461▲ | $139,028 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $173,920▲ | $163,747 |
| Total Employed | 70▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Greenville, SC offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Tega Cay.
The salary gap between Greenville and Tega Cay is $35,100 (29.57%). Greenville's median is +9.38% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Greenville spans $128,134,Tega Cay spans $92,879. Greenville has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Greenville ($164,917 effective) pays 27.12% more than Tega Cay ($129,729 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Greenville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($153,802/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($173,920)
- ✓Larger job market (70 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $164,917)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Tega Cay if…
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Greenville grew 83.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 11.9% growth in Tega Cay over the same period.
Greenville, SC
$81,600 (2019) → $149,380 (2025)
Tega Cay, SC
$102,989 (2024) → $115,289 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Greenville, SC
Tega Cay, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Greenville or Tega Cay?
What is the hourly rate difference between Greenville and Tega Cay?
Should I relocate from Greenville to Tega Cay as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Greenville vs Tega Cay?
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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.96% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Aisha Patel, OD, a licensed optometrist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov