Average Optometrists Salary in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC
Optometrists in the Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC area earn an impressive average annual salary of $145,440. This figure slightly surpasses the national average of $141,560, indicating a robust demand for eye care professionals in this dynamic metropolitan region. Local economic factors and the specific healthcare needs of the growing population contribute to this favorable compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $145,440 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 5.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $207,380.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 330 Optometrists and a Location Quotient of 0.9, the job market in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia demonstrates a healthy concentration of these professionals, closely mirroring national employment patterns. The rate of 0.246 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a stable and consistent demand for optometric services within the area.
Salary Overview
The average Optometrists in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC earns+2.7%above the national average.
$69.9
$2,797
$12,120
Optometrists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this precise region isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Optometrists in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia have experienced steady growth over the past four years, aligning with national trends. This growth is likely driven by increasing healthcare expenditures, an aging population, and advancements in optometric technology and treatments.
Optometrists Salary Distribution in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC
Salary progression for Optometrists in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions will naturally command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience can expect to earn considerably more, potentially reaching into higher percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior salaries reflects the value placed on expertise and years of practice.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $37,780 | $18.2 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $109,080 | $52.4 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $154,700 | $74.4 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $181,800 | $87.4 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $207,380 | $99.7 |
Detailed Optometrists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$145,440
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$145,440
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $145,440 in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of an Optometrist's salary in this area is equivalent to the national standard, offering a stable financial environment for residents.
Job Market Context
330
Total Jobs
0.246
Per 1K Jobs
0.9
Location Quotient
Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC has 0.90x 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.
A Location Quotient of 0.9 for Optometrists in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia indicates that the concentration of these professionals is slightly below the national average. This suggests that while the market is not oversaturated, there is a solid presence of optometrists, implying a competitive yet accessible environment for new entrants and established practitioners alike.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Optometrists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC Optometrists Salary | $139,890↓ 4% | 45 mi |
| Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Optometrists Salary | $163,370↑ 12% | 65 mi |
| Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Optometrists Salary | $135,670↓ 7% | 65 mi |
Comparing salaries near Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC
Hiring Optometristss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Optometrists make in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC?
The median annual salary for a Optometrists in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC is $145,440. This typically ranges from $37,780 for entry-level positions to $207,380 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC is 2.7% higher than the national median of $141,560.
Is Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC a lucrative place for Optometrists?
Yes, it is a lucrative place for Optometrists.The average salary of $145,440 is higher than the national average, and the cost of living is at the national average, offering strong purchasing power.
Is Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC a good place to live for Optometrists?
The Cost of Living Index in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC ($139,890) and Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia Optometrist salary compare to the national average?
Optometrists in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia earn an average of $145,440 annually, which is slightly above the national average of $141,560.
What is the cost of living like for Optometrists in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia?
The cost of living in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia is at the national average (index of 100), meaning your salary has average purchasing power compared to other areas.
Is the job market for Optometrists strong in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia?
The market shows a healthy concentration with a Location Quotient of 0.9, indicating a stable demand for Optometrists that closely matches national employment levels.
How many Optometrists are employed in the Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia area?
There are approximately 330 Optometrists employed within the Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 330 employees in the Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC area with a job density of 0.246 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 Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC