Optometrist Salary in Greensboro, NC: $173,077 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Greensboro, NC earns a median $173,077/year (≈ $83.21/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Greensboro's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.6), that paycheck buys what $184,911 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.9% above the North Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Greensboro, North Carolina, the projected median annual optometrist salary is $173,077 for 2026, significantly higher than the national median of $140,612, reflecting a robust local market for this profession. The salary range for optometrists in the area is notable, with the lower end at $100,385 (P10) and the upper end reaching $268,269 (P90). These figures are derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional price variances. With the scope of practice encompassing glaucoma management, oral medications, and select laser procedures, Greensboro offers a unique advantage that likely contributes to its competitive compensation rates. This positions optometrists well within the evolving healthcare landscape, making it an attractive location for both seasoned professionals and new graduates alike.
About the Greensboro Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($130,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $100,385 | $48.26 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $135,765 | $65.28 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $173,077 | $83.21 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $217,942 | $104.78 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $268,269 | $128.98 |
Median Salary Position
23.09% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Greensboro
In Greensboro, NC, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $167,884 (2026 est.). At $173,077, the local median is 23.09% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Greensboro: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Greensboro Optometrist Pay Compares
Greensboro median: $173,077/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Greensboro Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Average | $168,199 | +2.90% more |
| National Average | $140,612 | +23.09% more |
Optometrists in Greensboro, NC earn a median of $173,077 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.09% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 2.90% above the North Carolina state average of $168,199.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Greensboro has a cost of living 6.40% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Greensboro, NC has a cost-of-living index of 93.6 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $173,077 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $184,911 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.84% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$160,640
2025 BLS Actual
$168,101
2026 Current Est.
$173,077
2019–2027 Growth
+10.9%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Greensboro (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $160,640 | Actual |
| 2020 | $146,090 | Actual |
| 2021 | $129,710 | Actual |
| 2022 | $154,586 | Actual |
| 2023 | $162,304 | Actual |
| 2024 | $125,265 | Actual |
| 2025 | $168,101 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $173,077 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $178,200 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Greensboro metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 4.6% from $160,640 (2019) to $168,101 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $178,200 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,560 (10.93%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Greensboro 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $100,385 – $135,765 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $135,765 – $173,077 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $173,077 – $217,942 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $217,942 – $268,269 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Greensboro
The local job market for optometrists in Greensboro consists of approximately 71 professionals, indicating a demand for eye care services in the region. Additionally, the cost of living index of 93.6 suggests that expenses are lower than the national average, allowing for potentially greater purchasing power for those in the field. Employers such as private optometry practices, ophthalmology groups, and military health systems often compensate higher for specialized skills or residency training. Given the fluctuating dynamics of practice ownership and the impact of private equity on local practices, those who maximize their skills—particularly in specialties like ocular disease—may find opportunities to enhance their earnings. This strategic approach could greatly benefit those contemplating their future in the Greensboro optometry market, as understanding compensation trends is crucial for making informed career decisions.
More salary data for Greensboro, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $168,101 for optometristsin the Greensboro metropolitan area. A 2.96% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Greensboro 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