How much does an optometrist make in Columbia?
$156,400a year
Median yearly pay for optometrists in the Columbia, SC metro area. That is $75.17 an hour or $13,030 a month.
- Hourly
- $75.17
- Vs. national median
- +14%
- Rank among cities
- 36 of 183
- Jobs in the area
- 90
Pay range
Lowest 10%: $49,030Median: $156,400Highest 10%: $167,600
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th | $49,030 | $23.57 | |
| 25th | $78,420 | $37.70 | |
| Median | $156,400 | $75.17 | |
| 75th | $163,500 | $78.61 | |
| 90th | $167,600 | $80.59 |
Other cities in South Carolina
Median yearly pay for optometrists.
| Charlotte, NC | $157,200 |
| Charleston, SC | $154,700 |
| Myrtle Beach, SC | $150,000 |
| Greenville, SC | $149,400 |
| Augusta, GA | $130,400 |
Related jobs in Columbia
Same field, median yearly pay.
| Physician | $374,300 |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist | $296,000 |
| Anesthesiologist | $290,600 |
| Nurse Anesthetist | $271,400 |
| Psychiatrist | $251,100 |
| Surgeon | $239,200 |
| Dentist | $228,800 |
| Family Medicine Physician | $224,400 |
| Pharmacist | $133,900 |
| Veterinarian | $130,000 |
Frequently asked questions
How much does an optometrist make an hour in Columbia?
The median hourly pay in the Columbia, SC metro area is $75.17 ($156,400 a year).
Do optometrists make more in Columbia than the national average?
Yes: $156,400 against $136,600 nationally, 14% more.
How does Columbia compare with the rest of South Carolina?
The median in South Carolina is $146,000, so Columbia pays 7% more.
Where does Columbia rank for optometrist pay?
36 of 183 metro areas with data.
How much does an optometrist make starting out in Columbia?
The lowest-paid 10% make $49,030 or less a year; the top 10% make $167,600 or more.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS): pay in May 2025, published by BLS in 2026. Hourly pay is the yearly figure divided by 2,080 hours.