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Optometrist Salary in Gastonia, NC

How much does a optometrist make in Gastonia? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Gastonia's cost of living.

Median Salary
$99,650
per year in Gastonia
Entry Level
$60,272
Starting salary
Senior Level
$136,617
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
88
12% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how optometrist salaries break down across different pay periods in Gastonia.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$60,272$99,650$136,617
Monthly$5,023$8,304$11,385
Biweekly$2,318$3,833$5,255
Weekly$1,159$1,916$2,627
Hourly$29$48$66

Gastonia vs National Average

How Gastonia's optometrist salaries compare to national figures.

Gastonia Salary
$99,650
COL Index: 88
National Average
$128,680
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$29,030
Lower in Gastonia

Cost of Living in Gastonia

1-Bedroom Rent
$850
per month
Median Income
$42,821
per year
Population
80,411
residents
Rent % of Income
23.8%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 88 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Gastonia have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Optometrist

Overview

Perform eye exams and prescribe corrective lenses and treatments.

Education

Doctor of Optometry (OD); licensure required

Key Skills

Eye ExaminationLens PrescriptionPatient CareDiagnostic Skills

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +14% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Optometrist Salary

See Optometrist salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$160,520
+61%
Los Angeles, CA
$137,070
+38%
Chicago, IL
$138,510
+39%
Houston, TX
$124,780
+25%
Phoenix, AZ
$134,430
+35%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Optometrist Salary in Gastonia, NC — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a optometrist in Gastonia, NC is $99,650 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 88. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Gastonia's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level optometrist professionals in Gastonia can expect to earn around $60,272 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level optometrists earning approximately $136,617 per year. This represents a 127% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Gastonia's cost of living index of 88 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Gastonia are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $128,680, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a optometrist's salary in Gastonia typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $850 per month, housing represents about 10.2% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Optometrists are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 14% over the next decade. In Gastonia, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Data source: Salary estimates on this page are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.