📍 North Carolina Programs from 1 to 12 months📈 Steady demand across the United States

Optometric Assistant salary in North Carolina

A strong career option in North Carolina — with programs that take 1 to 12 months to complete.

Median pay · May 2025

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

$45,150/ yr

$3,763 / mo · $21.71 / hr

Pay by experience

Entry

$36,254

Median

$45,150

Experienced

$61,963

Demand

Moderate

Program length

1 to 12 months

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Job demand & outlook

Steady demand across the United States

Moderate demand

Source: BLS Employment Projections

Where this career can take you

A clear progression path, with real salary growth at each step

  • State Certificate$50,559
  • Professional Certification / Diploma$53,771
  • Professional Certification / Bootcamp$88,192
  • Associate Degree$80,408

Is this career change worth it?

A simple look at what it costs vs what you gain

What it typically costs

  • Average training cost
  • Time to complete1 to 12 months
  • Credential earned

What you get back

  • Starting salary$36,254
  • Median salary$45,150
  • Experienced salary$61,963

Many career changers recoup their certification cost within the first few months of working in their new role.

How to become an Optometric Assistant in North Carolina

A clear path from where you are to where you want to be

1

Find an Optometric Assistant program in North Carolina

Browse certified training programs. Most Optometric Assistant tracks complete in 1 to 12 months.

2

Earn your certification

Complete coursework, finish required clinical or lab hours, and pass the exam required for a certification in North Carolina.

3

Get hired in North Carolina

With roughly thousands of Optometric Assistant openings each year nationwide, graduates often find employment within 30–90 days in North Carolina.

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Frequently asked questions

The median salary for an Optometric Assistant in North Carolina is $45,150 per year, which is $21.71 per hour. Entry level positions typically start around $36,254 while experienced Optometric Assistants can earn up to $61,963 annually.

Next step

Find Optometric Assistant Classes Near You

Enter your ZIP code to see accredited Optometric Assistant classes in your area.