Optometrists in North Carolina
Thinking about a career as an Optometrists in North Carolina? Here’s what you need to know. Diagnose, manage, and treat conditions and diseases of the human eye and visual system. Examine eyes and visual system, diagnose problems or impairments, prescribe corrective lenses, and provide treatment. May prescribe therapeutic drugs to treat specific eye conditions. Ophthalmologists are included in “Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric” (29-1241).
What do Optometrists Make in North Carolina?
For a optometrists working in North Carolina, wages run about $153,750 per year (or roughly $73.92/hour).
| Wage Statistic | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $72,310 | $34.77 |
| 25th percentile | $121,990 | $58.65 |
| Median (50th) | $153,750 | $73.92 |
| 75th percentile | $189,290 | $91.01 |
| 90th percentile | n/a | n/a |
The job concentration index in North Carolina nationwide is 1.05.
National Wage Comparison
Nationally, optometrists earn a median of $116,847 per year ($56.18/hour), higher than the North Carolina median.
Employment Outlook
National employment for 1,080,119 optometrists nationwide. In North Carolina alone, about 1,400 people work in this role. That puts the state above the typical state, which employs around 480 optometrists.
Top North Carolina Metros for Optometrists
The metro areas below employ the most optometrists in North Carolina.
| Metro Area | Number Employed | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC | 330 | $154,700 |
| Raleigh-Cary, NC | 320 | $153,730 |
| Wilmington, NC | 130 | $155,760 |
| Winston-Salem, NC | 90 | $162,090 |
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC | 50 | $159,190 |
| Fayetteville, NC | 40 | $161,820 |
| Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC | 40 | $131,710 |
Top States for Optometrists Employment
These states have the highest employment of optometrists work.
| State | Number Employed |
|---|---|
| California | 6,790 |
| Texas | 3,180 |
| New York | 2,500 |
| Florida | 2,280 |
| Illinois | 1,670 |
| Pennsylvania | 1,530 |
| Ohio | 1,450 |
| North Carolina | 1,400 |
| Michigan | 1,330 |
| Massachusetts | 1,120 |
| Virginia | 1,120 |
| Colorado | 980 |
| Indiana | 960 |
| Arizona | 960 |
| New Jersey | 950 |
| Washington | 930 |
| Maryland | 870 |
| Georgia | 860 |
| Wisconsin | 750 |
| Minnesota | 700 |
Highest-Paying States for Optometrists
Where optometrists earn the most: optometrists.
| State | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Alaska | $165,830 |
| New York | $163,040 |
| Maryland | $157,830 |
| Washington | $157,650 |
| New Jersey | $156,000 |
| Vermont | $156,000 |
| New Mexico | $154,630 |
| District of Columbia | $154,300 |
| North Carolina | $153,750 |
| Massachusetts | $150,820 |
Skills
Key optometrists skills, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Knowledge Areas
Important knowledge areas for this occupation, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Abilities
Top abilities for optometrists, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Daily Tasks
Optometrists typically:
- 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.
- Analyze test results and develop a treatment plan.
- Prescribe, supply, fit and adjust eyeglasses, contact lenses, and other vision aids.
- Prescribe medications to treat eye diseases if state laws permit.
- Educate and counsel patients on contact lens care, visual hygiene, lighting arrangements, and safety factors.
- Remove foreign bodies from the eye.
- Provide patients undergoing eye surgeries, such as cataract and laser vision correction, with pre- and post-operative care.
- Consult with and refer patients to ophthalmologist or other health care practitioner if additional medical treatment is determined necessary.
- Prescribe therapeutic procedures to correct or conserve vision.
- Provide vision therapy and low-vision rehabilitation.
Work Activities
- Assisting and Caring for Others
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
- Documenting/Recording Information
- Getting Information
- Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
- Processing Information
- Analyzing Data or Information
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
- Working with Computers
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
Tools & Technology
Common tools and software used in this occupation include: Hot technologies: Apple Safari In-demand technologies: Apple Safari
What Major Will Prepare You For This Career?
Related college programs include:
Related Careers
Related occupations to optometrists include:
- Chiropractors
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
- Podiatrists
- Nurse Practitioners
- Audiologists
- Anesthesiologists
Also Known As
Optometrist, Optometry Doctor (OD), Therapeutic Optometrist.
References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — https://www.bls.gov/oes/
- O*NET Online — https://www.onetonline.org/
- BLS Employment Projections — https://www.bls.gov/emp/
- O*NET-SOC code: 29-1041.00
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