RateOrchard
METRO DATA PROFILE · 2024

Optometrists salary in Charlotte, North Carolina

Metro-level median, range, and employment from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics for the Charlotte metropolitan area. Skills and task data from O*NET. State and national figures shown for context.

Adrian Serafin, founder and editor of RateOrchardBy Adrian SerafinFounderUpdated April 30, 2026
Median annual$154,700
Mean annual$145,440
Range (10th to 90th)$37,780 to $207,380
Charlotte, North Carolina employment330
State vs national+17.3% vs national

Salary distribution

Where Charlotte optometrists fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)

10TH$37,78025TH$101,600MEDIAN$154,70075TH$190,79090TH$207,380

The middle 50% of workers earn between $101,600 and $190,790, with a median of $154,700.

Typical entry

  • Education

    Doctoral or professional degree

  • Experience

    None

  • On-the-job training

    None

Top skills (O*NET)

  • Medicine and Dentistry

    Knowledge

    4.8 / 5
  • Biology

    Knowledge

    4.5 / 5
  • Customer and Personal Service

    Knowledge

    4.4 / 5
  • Reading Comprehension

    Basic skill

    4.1 / 5
  • Active Listening

    Basic skill

    4.1 / 5
  • Critical Thinking

    Cross-functional

    4.1 / 5
  • Oral Expression

    Ability

    4.1 / 5
  • Problem Sensitivity

    Ability

    4.1 / 5

Common tasks (O*NET)

  1. 01

    Examine eyes, using observation, instruments, and pharmaceutical agents, to determine visual acuity and perception, focus, and coordination and to diagnose diseases and other abnormalities, such as glaucoma or color blindness.

  2. 02

    Analyze test results and develop a treatment plan.

  3. 03

    Prescribe, supply, fit and adjust eyeglasses, contact lenses, and other vision aids.

  4. 04

    Prescribe medications to treat eye diseases if state laws permit.

  5. 05

    Educate and counsel patients on contact lens care, visual hygiene, lighting arrangements, and safety factors.

  6. 06

    Remove foreign bodies from the eye.

  7. 07

    Provide patients undergoing eye surgeries, such as cataract and laser vision correction, with pre- and post-operative care.

  8. 08

    Consult with and refer patients to ophthalmologist or other health care practitioner if additional medical treatment is determined necessary.

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Other metros in North Carolina

How the Charlotte metro compares to other major North Carolina metro areas for optometrists.

Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Optometrists in Charlotte, North Carolina?
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Optometrists in the Charlotte metropolitan area is $154,700.
Does Charlotte pay more than the North Carolina state average for Optometrists?
The Charlotte metro median is +0.6% versus the North Carolina state median of $153,750.
How does Charlotte compare to the national median for Optometrists?
The Charlotte metro median is +17.3% versus the BLS national figure of $131,844.
What is the salary range for Optometrists in Charlotte?
BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $37,780 and the 90th-percentile at $207,380 for the Charlotte metro area.
What education is required for Optometrists?
BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Doctoral or professional degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Disclaimer

Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the Charlotte CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.