Optometrist Salary in Winston-Salem, NC
How much does a optometrist make in Winston-Salem? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Winston-Salem's cost of living.
Salary Breakdown by Experience Level
See how optometrist salaries break down across different pay periods in Winston-Salem.
| Period | Entry Level | Median | Senior |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual | $71,231 | $117,768 | $161,456 |
| Monthly | $5,936 | $9,814 | $13,455 |
| Biweekly | $2,740 | $4,530 | $6,210 |
| Weekly | $1,370 | $2,265 | $3,105 |
| Hourly | $34 | $57 | $78 |
Winston-Salem vs National Average
How Winston-Salem's optometrist salaries compare to national figures.
Cost of Living in Winston-Salem
About Optometrist
Overview
Perform eye exams and prescribe corrective lenses and treatments.
Education
Doctor of Optometry (OD); licensure required
Key Skills
Growth Rate
Expected job growth: +14% over the next decade
Compare Cities: Optometrist Salary
See Optometrist salaries in other top cities.
Financial Tools to Explore
Use these Pulsafi calculators to understand your finances based on a optometrist salary in Winston-Salem.
Salary Breakdown Calculator
See exactly how your salary breaks down into taxes and take-home pay.
Cost of Living Calculator
Understand your expenses and purchasing power in Winston-Salem.
Budget Calculator
Create a personalized budget based on your income and expenses.
Rent vs Buy Calculator
Compare the true costs of renting versus buying in Winston-Salem.
Optometrist Salary in Winston-Salem, NC — Complete Guide
Median Salary Overview
The median salary for a optometrist in Winston-Salem, NC is $117,768 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 104. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Winston-Salem's unique economic conditions.
Salary Range and Experience Levels
Entry-level optometrist professionals in Winston-Salem can expect to earn around $71,231 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level optometrists earning approximately $161,456 per year. This represents a 127% increase from entry to senior level.
Cost of Living Adjustment
Winston-Salem's cost of living index of 104 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,400 per month, housing represents about 14.3% 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 Winston-Salem, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.