Optometrist Hourly Pay in Daphne, AL: $79.54 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Daphne, AL runs $79.54 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $165,436 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Daphne's regional price level (BEA RPP 94.7, 5% below national), each hour of work buys what $84.00 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $99,262 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Daphne, Alabama, optometrists earn a median hourly pay of $79.54, significantly higher than the national average of $67.60. This favorable rate indicates that both part-time practitioners and per-diem optometrists can expect to take home competitive wages, particularly in various settings such as private optometry offices, retail optical chains, and VA outpatient clinics. For those working just three days a week, the hourly pay translates into a solid income, while the hourly range encompasses entry-level pay of $28.65 and can reach up to $108.06 for seasoned professionals. This data, derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projections, reflects the ongoing demand for optometric services in Daphne and highlights the potential for lucrative earnings in a field that continues to evolve amid expanding scopes of practice.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $28.65 | $229.23 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $58.77 | $470.16 |
| Median (P50) | $79.54 | $636.29 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $85.11 | $680.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $108.06 | $864.45 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Daphne
Based on $79.54/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $79.54/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Daphne, AL can expect to earn approximately $165,436 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $95,444. With a cost-of-living index of 94.69 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Daphne.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Daphne
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,181.46 | $13,786 | $165,436 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,908.88 | $8,272 | $99,262 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,272.59 | $5,515 | $66,174 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Daphne) | $79.54 |
| 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 Daphne, AL earn a median of $165,436 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.65% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 33.80% above the Alabama state average of $123,644.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $79.54/hr = $99,262/year (purchasing power: $104,828).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $165,436/year (purchasing power: $174,713).
CoL index: 94.69 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$64.10/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$77.25/hr
2026 Current Est.
$79.54/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Daphne (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64.10/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $69.23/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $70.31/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $71.04/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $74.59/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $79.11/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $77.25/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $79.54/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81.89/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Daphne grew 20.5% from $64.10/hr (2019) to $77.25/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $81.89/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 Daphne 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 Daphne
When evaluating the earning potential for part-time optometrists, a three-day workweek could yield around $62,669 annually, a respectable amount when compared to full-time positions while still allowing for a flexible schedule. Per diem optometrists in Daphne face varied earning scenarios, with daily incomes ranging from $500 to $1,200 depending on the employer and their specialties. Those filling in at retail chains might see lower daily rates, while filling in at OD/MD practices can yield higher compensation, making it vital for optometrists to understand their worth in this vibrant job market. Additionally, hourly rates may differ based on the type of employer. While some optometrists choose employment at private practices for benefits, others opt for higher hourly pay without employer-provided health insurance, weighing the trade-offs based on individual situations. Negotiating skills are essential in this competitive landscape; understanding local pay structures and being informed about the specific needs of Daphne's optometry market can lead to better compensation outcomes.
More salary data for Daphne, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Daphne. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 4-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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