Senior Optometrist Salary in Concord, NC: $247,731 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of optometrists working in Concord, NC — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $247,731/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1041. Strip back Concord's price premium (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $264,670 in average-cost America. The 51% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Concord, North Carolina, senior optometrists can command impressive salaries, with the 2026 median annual pay reaching $164,512. The income potential for top-tier professionals in this segment is particularly striking, with the 90th percentile earning as much as $247,731. This figure not only highlights the significant gaps in compensation within the senior optometry tier but also underscores how advanced experience and specialization can elevate earning potential. To access this level of financial reward, optometrists often enhance their qualifications through additional residencies or certifications, particularly in fields like ocular disease or pediatric optometry, where expertise is at a premium.
About the Concord Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($130,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Concord
Experienced optometrists at the top of the pay scale in Concord earn between $201,209 and $247,731 per year (2026 est.). This $152,314 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Concord median of $164,512 sits 17% above the US median.
Top OD Salary Comparison
| Level | Concord | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $164,512 | $140,612 |
| 75th Percentile | $201,209 | $170,008 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $247,731 | $208,165 |
In Concord, experienced optometrists (P90) earn 50.59% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Optometrist Pay in Concord
Advanced Certifications in North Carolina
NC optometrists with additional specialty certifications within the optometry field earn significantly above the $164,512 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Concord employers.
Specialty Focus
Optometrists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the optometry field in Concord command premium compensation, often reaching the $201,209–$247,731 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Concord metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced optometrists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured optometrists in Concord with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Optometrists in North Carolina who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Optometrist Career & Wage Growth Path in Concord
Clinical Optometrist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Optometrist
5-10 yearsOptometrist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedConcord ranks #11 of 44 North Carolina cities for top earner optometrist salary (90th percentile: $247,731).
Top 10% optometrist compensation in Concord ($247,731) is 1.99% above the North Carolina average P90 ($242,905).
2019 BLS Actual
$230,993
2025 BLS Actual
$240,609
2026 Current Est.
$247,731
2019–2027 Growth
+10.4%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Concord (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $230,993 | Actual |
| 2020 | $233,028 | Actual |
| 2021 | $228,958 | Actual |
| 2022 | $227,816 | Actual |
| 2023 | $242,894 | Actual |
| 2024 | $191,500 | Actual |
| 2025 | $240,609 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $247,731 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $255,064 | Projected |
Top-earning optometrists (90th percentile) in Concord saw their compensation grow 4.2% from $230,993 in 2019 to $240,609 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.96% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $255,064 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Concord 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.
Maximizing Your Optometrist Earnings in Concord
Examining the factors that influence compensation reveals a complex interplay of specialization, practice types, and credentials in the Concord market. Optometrists who focus on high-demand areas such as vision therapy or contact lens fittings often experience enhanced pay. Furthermore, the variety of employment settings—ranging from private practices to retail chains like LensCrafters—can significantly impact earning potential. While retail optical chains may offer stability, private practice ownership or partnership in OD/MD models presents lucrative revenue-sharing opportunities. For those pursuing advancement, positions such as residency program faculty or consulting roles can further drive earnings. Furthermore, senior practitioners with advanced qualifications—such as residency training in ocular disease—may receive non-salary benefits like equity stakes or profit-sharing, making their overall compensation even more competitive in Concord and beyond.
More salary data for Concord, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced optometrists make in Concord in 2026?
What drives higher optometrist pay in Concord?
What certifications boost optometrist salary in Concord?
Can experienced optometrists make six figures in Concord?
How much does optometrist salary increase over time in Concord?
Related Pages
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Nearby Cities in North Carolina
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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $240,609 for optometrists in the Concord metro area. A 2.96% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Concord 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