Optometrist Hourly Pay in Florence, AL: $57.49 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Florence, AL runs $57.49 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $119,579 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Florence's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.9, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $65.41 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $71,751 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Florence, Alabama, the projected median hourly pay for optometrists in 2026 stands at $57.49. This figure is notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $67.60, reflecting the local economic conditions and cost of living. For part-time optometrists working three days a week, earning this median rate translates to a substantial income, though less than their full-time counterparts. In different practice settings, such as private optometry exam rooms or retail optical chains, hourly pay can vary significantly. Entry-level optometrists may see hourly rates as low as $34.83, while those at the top of their profession can command as much as $83.76 per hour. These estimates are derived from annual salary figures and highlight the earning potential within the optometry field in Florence.
About the Florence 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) | $34.83 | $278.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48.05 | $384.41 |
| Median (P50) | $57.49 | $459.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $69.44 | $555.49 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $83.76 | $670.06 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Florence
Based on $57.49/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $57.49/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Florence, AL can expect to earn approximately $119,585 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $68,991. With a cost-of-living index of 87.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Florence.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Florence
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,299.71 | $9,965 | $119,585 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,379.83 | $5,979 | $71,751 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $919.89 | $3,986 | $47,834 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Florence) | $57.49 |
| 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 Florence, AL earn a median of $119,579 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.96% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 3.30% below the Alabama state average of $123,660.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $57.49/hr = $71,751/year (purchasing power: $81,628).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $119,585/year (purchasing power: $136,047).
CoL index: 87.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$47.12/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$55.84/hr
2026 Current Est.
$57.49/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Florence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47.12/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $48.27/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $50.82/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $51.35/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $53.91/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $48.24/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $55.84/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57.49/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59.19/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Florence grew 18.5% from $47.12/hr (2019) to $55.84/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $59.19/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 Florence 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 Florence
As part-time roles grow in popularity in the optometry sector, professionals should consider their overall earning potential. For example, a part-time optometrist working 24 hours per week would earn about $71,771 annually—nearly 40% less than full-time colleagues. Per diem optometrists in Florence can expect variable daily pay, often ranging from $500 to $1,200 depending on the employer. Working locum tenens or temporary positions allows flexibility but often at the cost of benefits such as health insurance. Private practices might offer lower hourly rates but higher benefits compared to retail chains, where pay might be higher but with less job security. When negotiating pay, optometrists in Florence are encouraged to weigh the pros and cons of hourly rates versus benefits packages, ensuring they align with personal career goals and financial needs, particularly given the evolving scope of practice that enhances the value of optometric roles in the healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Florence, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Florence in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Florence?
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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 Florence. 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 Florence 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