Average Optometrists Salary in Charleston-North Charleston, SC
The average salary for a Optometrists in Charleston-North Charleston, SC is $132,460. This compensation is in line with national standards, reflecting a balanced and stable local job market.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $132,460 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 10.6% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $165,680.
- Outlook: The current demand for Optometristss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 60 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Charleston-North Charleston, SC economy.
Salary Overview
The average Optometrists in Charleston-North Charleston, SC earns-6.4%below the national average.
$63.7
$2,547
$11,038
Optometrists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Optometrists salaries in Charleston-North Charleston, SC have seen a slight adjustment of -10.6%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Optometrists Salary Distribution in Charleston-North Charleston, SC
The earning potential for Optometristss in Charleston-North Charleston, SC varies significantly by experience level. There is a substantial income gap, with top earners (90th percentile) making over 2.8x the starting salary. This indicates strong career progression opportunities. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $59,520, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $165,680.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $59,520 | $28.6 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $99,345 | $47.8 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $154,120 | $74.1 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $165,575 | $79.6 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $165,680 | $79.7 |
Detailed Optometrists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$132,460
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$132,460
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Charleston-North Charleston, SC, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $132,460 to $132,460.
Job Market Context
60
Total Jobs
0.165
Per 1K Jobs
0.61
Location Quotient
Charleston-North Charleston, SC has 0.61x the national average concentration of Optometrists jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
60 people work as Optometrists in Charleston-North Charleston, SC.
Only 0.165 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Optometrists roles — this is a niche profession in the area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Optometrists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC Optometrists Salary | $121,630↓ 8% | 63 mi |
| Savannah, GA Optometrists Salary | $123,270↓ 7% | 89 mi |
Comparing salaries near Charleston-North Charleston, SC
Hiring Optometristss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Optometrists make in Charleston-North Charleston, SC?
The median annual salary for a Optometrists in Charleston-North Charleston, SC is $132,460. This typically ranges from $59,520 for entry-level positions to $165,680 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Charleston-North Charleston, SC is 6.4% lower than the national median of $141,560.
Is Charleston-North Charleston, SC a good place for Optometristss?
It depends on your priorities. While the average Optometrists salary in Charleston-North Charleston, SC is $132,460 (below the national average), the area may offer a lower cost of living or other lifestyle benefits typical of Charleston-North Charleston, SC. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Charleston-North Charleston, SC a good place to live for Optometrists?
The Cost of Living Index in Charleston-North Charleston, SC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Charleston-North Charleston, SC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC ($121,630) and Savannah, GA.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 60 employees in the Charleston-North Charleston, SC area with a job density of 0.165 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Optometrists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Charleston-North Charleston, SC