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Optometrist Salary in North Charleston, SC

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

Median Salary
$154,120
per year in North Charleston
Entry Level
$93,218
Starting salary
Senior Level
$211,293
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
98
2% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$93,218$154,120$211,293
Monthly$7,768$12,843$17,608
Biweekly$3,585$5,928$8,127
Weekly$1,793$2,964$4,063
Hourly$45$74$102

North Charleston vs National Average

How North Charleston's optometrist salaries compare to national figures.

North Charleston Salary
$154,120
COL Index: 98
National Average
$128,680
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$25,440
Higher in North Charleston

Cost of Living in North Charleston

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,200
per month
Median Income
$42,580
per year
Population
115,382
residents
Rent % of Income
33.8%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 98 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in North Charleston 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
+4%
Los Angeles, CA
$137,070
-11%
Chicago, IL
$138,510
-10%
Houston, TX
$124,780
-19%
Phoenix, AZ
$134,430
-13%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Optometrist Salary in North Charleston, SC — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a optometrist in North Charleston, SC is $154,120 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 98. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering North Charleston's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level optometrist professionals in North Charleston can expect to earn around $93,218 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level optometrists earning approximately $211,293 per year. This represents a 127% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

North Charleston's cost of living index of 98 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in North Charleston 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 North Charleston typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,200 per month, housing represents about 9.3% 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 North Charleston, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024Metro-level wage data for this occupation and area
Data source: Salary data on this page are sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program May 2024 estimates. 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.