Average Optometrists Salary in Wilmington, NC
Yes, Wilmington, NC is a highly lucrative market for Optometristss. With an average annual salary of $196,450, professionals here earn significantly more than the national norm. Notably, Wilmington, NC is a key hub for this profession, with a job concentration 2.49x higher than average.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $196,450 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 73.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $294,675.
- Outlook: The current demand for Optometristss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 130 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Wilmington, NC economy.
Salary Overview
The average Optometrists in Wilmington, NC earns+38.8%above the national average.
$94.5
$3,778
$16,371
Optometrists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Optometrists salaries in Wilmington, NC have experienced a rapid surge, growing by 73.5%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Optometrists Salary Distribution in Wilmington, NC
The earning potential for Optometristss in Wilmington, NC 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 $106,030, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $294,675.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $106,030 | $51 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $147,338 | $70.8 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $155,760 | $74.9 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $245,563 | $118.1 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $294,675 | $141.7 |
Detailed Optometrists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$196,450
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$196,450
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Wilmington, NC, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $196,450 to $196,450.
Job Market Context
130
Total Jobs
0.676
Per 1K Jobs
2.49
Location Quotient
Wilmington, NC has 2.5x the national concentration of Optometrists jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
130 people work as Optometrists in Wilmington, NC.
Only 0.676 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. |
|---|---|---|
| Fayetteville, NC Optometrists Salary | $150,950↓ 23% | 87 mi |
Comparing salaries near Wilmington, NC
Hiring Optometristss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Optometrists make in Wilmington, NC?
The median annual salary for a Optometrists in Wilmington, NC is $196,450. This typically ranges from $106,030 for entry-level positions to $294,675 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Wilmington, NC is 38.8% higher than the national median of $141,560.
Is Wilmington, NC a good place for Optometristss?
Yes, Wilmington, NC is an excellent location for Optometristss. It offers both higher-than-average salaries ($196,450) and a high concentration of job opportunities. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Wilmington, NC a good place to live for Optometrists?
The Cost of Living Index in Wilmington, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Wilmington, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Fayetteville, NC ($150,950) and others.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 130 employees in the Wilmington, NC area with a job density of 0.676 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 Wilmington, NC