Optometrist Hourly Pay in Salisbury, NC: $79.43 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Salisbury, NC runs $79.43 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $165,213 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Salisbury's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $84.87 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $99,133 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Salisbury, North Carolina, the projected median hourly rate for optometrists in 2026 is $79.43, significantly higher than the national median of $67.60. This favorable comparison allows flexibility for various working arrangements, including part-time and per-diem roles. Optometrists working three days a week, for instance, could be looking at substantial income possibilities given the hourly rate, making this profession appealing for those seeking non-full-time schedules in settings ranging from private practices to retail optical chains. The hourly pay scale reflects a noteworthy range in Salisbury, as entry-level optometrists may earn around $46.06 per hour, while seasoned professionals can command up to $110.23, which presents ample room for career advancement in the field.
About the Salisbury Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($130,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46.06 | $368.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $63.06 | $504.50 |
| Median (P50) | $79.43 | $635.47 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $92.78 | $742.22 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $110.23 | $881.83 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Salisbury
Based on $79.43/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $79.43/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Salisbury, NC can expect to earn approximately $165,222 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $95,320. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Salisbury.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Salisbury
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,177.35 | $13,768 | $165,222 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,906.41 | $8,261 | $99,133 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,270.94 | $5,507 | $66,089 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Salisbury) | $79.43 |
| Dentist, General (National Avg) | $79.54 |
| Pharmacist (National Avg) | $66.51 |
| Opticians, Dispensing (National Avg) | $21.11 |
| Physician Assistant (National Avg) | $64.13 |
Optometrists in Salisbury, NC earn a median of $165,213 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.50% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 1.70% below the North Carolina state average of $168,070.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $79.43/hr = $99,133/year (purchasing power: $105,912).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $165,222/year (purchasing power: $176,519).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$65.11/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$77.15/hr
2026 Current Est.
$79.43/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Salisbury (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $65.11/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $66.69/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $70.22/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $70.95/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $74.49/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $57.49/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $77.15/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $79.43/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81.78/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Salisbury grew 18.5% from $65.11/hr (2019) to $77.15/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $81.78/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem optometrists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Salisbury 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.
Working as an Hourly Optometrist in Salisbury
Considering the part-time earning potential for optometrists working only 24 hours a week, their annual income could likely vary greatly compared to full-time positions. Part-time practitioners may find that they take home approximately $98,000 per year based on the local median rate, while full-time optometrists have the opportunity to exceed $165,213. Additionally, per diem optometrists in Salisbury typically earn between $500 and $1,200 per day depending on the employer, with many retail chains paying around $500-$800 and specialized practices offering higher rates. Hourly rates differ by employer type, ranging from private optometry practices to retail chains and VA hospitals, necessitating negotiation strategy based on benefits. Some optometrists may accept lower hourly rates in exchange for health insurance and pension plans, while others might prioritize higher pay with flexible scheduling options, such as those available through locum tenens or agency work. Understanding the dynamics of optometrist hourly pay in Salisbury, NC, can provide valuable insights for those in the profession as they navigate their career choices.
More salary data for Salisbury, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Salisbury in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Salisbury?
Are optometrists in Salisbury paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Salisbury?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Salisbury?
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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.96% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for optometrists in Salisbury. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Salisbury 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