Optometrist Hourly Pay in Anniston, AL: $57.17 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Anniston, AL runs $57.17 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $118,920 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Anniston's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.9, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $65.04 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $71,353 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Anniston, Alabama, the optometrist hourly pay averages $57.17, positioning it below the national median of $67.60. This wage reflects the growing field of optometry and offers potential for both full-time and part-time positions. For those working part-time—such as a 3-day workweek totalling around 24 hours—the annual earnings can still be significant, but they may not match the benefits of full-time employment. Per-diem optometrists in Anniston can find diverse opportunities across various settings, ranging from private practices to retail optical chains. The hourly pay range for optometrists in the area extends from $33.42 for entry-level positions to $78.16 for top earners, showcasing the variety of earning potential that depends on experience and workplace environment.
About the Anniston Market
Salary estimated from Alabama average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33.42 | $267.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46.86 | $374.86 |
| Median (P50) | $57.17 | $457.39 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $66.40 | $531.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $78.16 | $625.26 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Anniston
Based on $57.17/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $57.17/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Anniston, AL can expect to earn approximately $118,921 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $68,608. With a cost-of-living index of 87.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Anniston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Anniston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,286.95 | $9,910 | $118,921 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,372.17 | $5,946 | $71,353 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $914.78 | $3,964 | $47,569 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Anniston) | $57.17 |
| Dentist, General (National Avg) | $79.54 |
| Pharmacist (National Avg) | $66.51 |
| Opticians, Dispensing (National Avg) | $21.11 |
| Physician Assistant (National Avg) | $64.13 |
Optometrists in Anniston, AL earn a median of $118,920 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.43% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 3.80% below the Alabama state average of $123,617.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $57.17/hr = $71,353/year (purchasing power: $81,175).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $118,921/year (purchasing power: $135,292).
CoL index: 87.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$46.86/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$55.53/hr
2026 Current Est.
$57.17/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Anniston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46.86/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $48.00/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $50.54/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $51.07/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $53.61/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $47.98/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $55.53/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57.17/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58.87/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Anniston grew 18.5% from $46.86/hr (2019) to $55.53/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $58.87/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem optometrists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Anniston metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.96% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Optometrist in Anniston
For part-time optometrists clocking three days a week, the yearly take-home pay can vary significantly compared to full-time optometrists. While the hourly income may appear attractive, the reality is that filling in per-diem as a locum can be even more lucrative, with rates ranging from $500 to $1,200 per day. Monthly income can greatly differ based on the type of employer; private practice, retail outlets, and hospital affiliations may all offer distinctials in optometrist hourly rate AL. Moreover, benefits play a critical role in salary negotiation, as some optometrists might prefer a lower hourly wage in exchange for comprehensive health coverage. For those considering their options, understanding the trade-offs between pay rates and job benefits in Anniston can be key to making informed career decisions in the evolving field of optometry.
More salary data for Anniston, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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Written by Aisha Patel, OD
Career Analyst
Aisha Patel has 10 years of experience in optometry. She specializes in pediatric vision care. Aisha works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.96% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for optometrists in Anniston. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Anniston is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.96%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for optometrists (SOC 29-1041).
Compiled and verified by Aisha Patel, OD, a licensed optometrist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov