As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for an Optometry Assistant in South Carolina is $126,326 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $61.
However, an Optometry Assistant's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Optometry Assistant Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $135,435 | $11,286 | $2,605 | $65 |
| Average | $126,326 | $10,527 | $2,429 | $61 |
| 25th Percentile | $119,466 | $9,955 | $2,297 | $57 |
Physicians Eye Care Group - Saint Matthews, SC
Physicians Eye Care Group - Anderson, SC
Physicians Eye Care Group - Columbia, SC
Elevate Eyecare - North Charleston, SC
An Optometry Assistant's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Optometry Assistant's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Optometry Assistant | $124,897 |
| Intermediate Level Optometry Assistant | $125,374 |
| Senior Level Optometry Assistant | $128,540 |
| Specialist Level Optometry Assistant | $132,928 |
| Expert Level Optometry Assistant | $133,711 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Optometry Assistants. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
For Optometry Assistant roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 50% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Healthcare, offers compensation 30% above the average. Conversely, Optometry Assistant positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Optometry Assistant as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $164,224 | $79.0 | 30% |
Understanding how an Optometry Assistant's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $135,435 | $11,286 | $2,605 | $65 |
| Average | $126,326 | $10,527 | $2,429 | $61 |
| 25th Percentile | $119,466 | $9,955 | $2,297 | $57 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Optometry Assistant job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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