Mint Hill vs Winston: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Mint Hill, NC and Winston, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Mint Hill, NC | Winston, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $164,835 | $167,351▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $79.25 | $80.45▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $95,605 | $98,945▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $130,413 | $130,739▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $195,510▲ | $194,100 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $234,260▲ | $207,083 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 70▲ |
Verdict
Winston, NC offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Mint Hill.
The salary gap between Mint Hill and Winston is $2,516 (1.53%). Winston's median is +19.02% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Mint Hill spans $138,655,Winston spans $108,138. Mint Hill 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, Winston ($181,818 effective) pays 3.24% more than Mint Hill ($176,106 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Mint Hill if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($234,260)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Winston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($167,351/year)
- ✓Larger job market (70 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $181,818)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Mint Hill grew 34.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 29.9% growth in Winston over the same period.
Mint Hill, NC
$119,300 (2024) → $160,096 (2025)
Winston, NC
$125,120 (2019) → $162,540 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Mint Hill, NC
Winston, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Mint Hill or Winston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Mint Hill and Winston?
Should I relocate from Mint Hill to Winston as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Mint Hill vs Winston?
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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
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