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Average Optometrists Salary in South Carolina

Optometrists in South Carolina earn an average annual salary of $123,900, which is below the national average of $141,560. This difference can be attributed to various regional economic factors, including the specific demand for eye care professionals and the overall economic landscape within the state.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $123,900 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 5.8% ↘ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $163,480.
  • Outlook: South Carolina's optometry job market is characterized by a workforce of 480 professionals, with a Location Quotient of 0.77. This indicates a slightly lower concentration of optometrists compared to the national average, suggesting a stable but not overly saturated demand for these specialized healthcare providers.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$123,900

The average Optometrists in South Carolina earns-12.5%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$59.6

Weekly

$2,383

Monthly

$10,325

Optometrists Salary Distribution in South Carolina

Salary progression for optometrists in South Carolina typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, while senior optometrists with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries in the higher percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies significant career advancement opportunities and earning potential.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience.10% (Entry)$55,290$26.6
Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures.25% (Junior)$92,925$44.7
Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification.50% (Median)$137,450$66.1
SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases.75% (Senior)$154,875$74.5
Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider.90% (Expert)$163,480$78.6

Detailed Optometrists Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$123,900

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$129,197

Adjusted for COL (95.9)

An average annual salary of $123,900 in South Carolina presents a favorable financial situation when considering the local cost of living. With a Cost of Living Index of 95.9 (slightly below the national average of 100), the nominal salary translates to a strong purchasing power for optometrists residing in the state.

Job Market Context

480

Total Jobs

0.211

Per 1K Jobs

0.77

Location Quotient

Below Average

South Carolina has 0.77x 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.

The Location Quotient of 0.77 for optometrists in South Carolina suggests that the profession is less concentrated than the national average. This implies that while there is a consistent need for optometrists, the market may not be as intensely competitive as in regions with a higher LQ, potentially offering good opportunities for new entrants and established professionals.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Optometrists

CitySalaryDist.
Columbia, SC Optometrists Salary$117,800↓ 5%13 mi
Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC Optometrists Salary$126,370↑ 2%73 mi
Charleston-North Charleston, SC Optometrists Salary$132,460↑ 7%91 mi

Comparing salaries near South Carolina

Hiring Optometristss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Optometrists make in South Carolina?

The median annual salary for a Optometrists in South Carolina is $123,900. This typically ranges from $55,290 for entry-level positions to $163,480 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in South Carolina is 12.5% lower than the national median of $141,560.

Is South Carolina a lucrative place for Optometrists?

Yes, South Carolina offers a good earning potential for Optometrists.The average salary of $123,900, combined with a cost of living slightly below the national average, provides a strong financial standing for eye care professionals in the state.

Is South Carolina a good place to live for Optometrists?

With a Cost of Living Index of 95.9 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

Where are the highest paying cities near South Carolina?

Some top paying nearby cities include Columbia, SC ($117,800) and Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC.

How does South Carolina's optometrist salary compare to the national average?

Optometrists in South Carolina earn an average of $123,900 annually, which is approximately $17,660 less than the national average of $141,560.

What is the concentration of optometrists in South Carolina?

South Carolina has a Location Quotient of 0.77 for optometrists, indicating a slightly lower concentration of these professionals compared to the national average.

How does the cost of living in South Carolina affect an optometrist's salary?

With a Cost of Living Index of 95.9, South Carolina is slightly cheaper than the national average. This means the average salary of $123,900 provides good purchasing power for residents.

What is the total number of optometrists employed in South Carolina?

There are approximately 480 optometrists working in South Carolina, representing 0.211 jobs per 1,000 workers in the state.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 480 employees in the South Carolina area with a job density of 0.211 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Optometrists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in South Carolina