Average Optometrists Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
Yes, Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is a highly lucrative market for Optometristss. With an average annual salary of $169,050, professionals here earn significantly more than the national norm.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $169,050 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 25.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $253,575.
- Outlook: The current demand for Optometristss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 50 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Durham-Chapel Hill, NC economy.
Salary Overview
The average Optometrists in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC earns+19.4%above the national average.
$81.3
$3,251
$14,088
Optometrists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 3 years, Optometrists salaries in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC have experienced a rapid surge, growing by 25.7%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Optometrists Salary Distribution in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
The earning potential for Optometristss in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC varies significantly by experience level. There is a substantial income gap, with top earners (90th percentile) making over 2.6x the starting salary. This indicates strong career progression opportunities. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $97,340, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $253,575.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $97,340 | $46.8 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $126,788 | $61 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $159,190 | $76.5 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $211,313 | $101.6 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $253,575 | $121.9 |
Detailed Optometrists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$169,050
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$169,050
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Durham-Chapel Hill, NC, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $169,050 to $169,050.
Job Market Context
50
Total Jobs
0.149
Per 1K Jobs
0.55
Location Quotient
Durham-Chapel Hill, NC has 0.55x 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.
50 people work as Optometrists in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC.
Only 0.149 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. |
|---|---|---|
| Raleigh-Cary, NC Optometrists Salary | $173,890↑ 3% | 18 mi |
| Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Optometrists Salary | $163,370↓ 3% | 56 mi |
| Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Optometrists Salary | $135,670↓ 20% | 56 mi |
Comparing salaries near Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
Hiring Optometristss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Optometrists make in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
The median annual salary for a Optometrists in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is $169,050. This typically ranges from $97,340 for entry-level positions to $253,575 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is 19.4% higher than the national median of $141,560.
Is Durham-Chapel Hill, NC a good place for Optometristss?
Yes, Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is financially attractive for Optometristss. The average salary of $169,050 exceeds the national average. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Durham-Chapel Hill, NC a good place to live for Optometrists?
The Cost of Living Index in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Raleigh-Cary, NC ($173,890) and Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 50 employees in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC area with a job density of 0.149 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 Durham-Chapel Hill, NC