Optometrist Hourly Pay in Tega Cay, SC: $57.07 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Tega Cay, SC runs $57.07 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $118,702 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Tega Cay's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $62.37 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $71,224 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Tega Cay, South Carolina, the optometrist hourly pay currently stands at a median of $57.07. This figure is noticeably lower than the national hourly median of $67.60, indicating a regional variance that may influence local job attractiveness for aspiring optometrists. For part-time workers, typically those on a 3-day workweek, this hourly rate translates to a substantial income, beneficial for maintaining work-life balance while engaging in private practices, retail optical chains, or clinical settings. Those starting in their careers can expect pay as low as $34.07 per hour, while experienced optometrists can earn as much as $78.72 hourly, offering a diverse range of opportunities based on skill level and workplace environment.
About the Tega Cay Market
Salary estimated from South Carolina average ($122,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34.07 | $272.56 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47.33 | $378.65 |
| Median (P50) | $57.07 | $456.57 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $66.84 | $534.73 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $78.72 | $629.79 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tega Cay
Based on $57.07/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $57.07/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tega Cay, SC can expect to earn approximately $118,707 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $68,485. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Tega Cay.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tega Cay
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,282.83 | $9,892 | $118,707 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,369.70 | $5,935 | $71,224 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $913.13 | $3,957 | $47,483 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Tega Cay) | $57.07 |
| 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 Tega Cay, SC earn a median of $118,702 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.58% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 7.70% below the South Carolina state average of $128,604.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $57.07/hr = $71,224/year (purchasing power: $77,841).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $118,707/year (purchasing power: $129,735).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$46.78/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$55.43/hr
2026 Current Est.
$57.07/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Tega Cay (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46.78/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $47.91/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $50.45/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $50.97/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $53.52/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $49.51/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $55.43/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57.07/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58.76/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Tega Cay grew 18.5% from $46.78/hr (2019) to $55.43/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $58.76/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 Tega Cay 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 Tega Cay
Part-time optometrists in Tega Cay have the potential to earn approximately $66,904 annually when working three 8-hour days a week, compared to full-time colleagues, who can expect higher annual figures. Per diem optometric positions vary widely in their day rates, with retail chains often paying between $500 and $800 per day while private practice fill-ins can see daily compensation ranging from $700 to $1,200. This discrepancy illustrates the choices facing optometrists, as some may prefer the security of health benefits through regular employment, accepting a lower hourly wage, while others thrive in the flexibility offered by contract or agency roles. The choice of employer significantly influences pay scales, from private practices to retail giants like Walmart Vision. For those considering a position in Tega Cay, it’s advisable to research specific employer offerings and negotiate effectively to align compensation with personal and professional needs.
More salary data for Tega Cay, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Tega Cay in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Tega Cay?
Are optometrists in Tega Cay paid hourly or salary?
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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 Tega Cay. 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 Tega Cay 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