Optometrist Hourly Pay in Mobile, AL: $61.42 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Mobile, AL runs $61.42 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $127,735 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Mobile's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.9, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $69.87 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $76,647 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Mobile, Alabama, the optometrist hourly pay stands at a median of $61.42, which is below the national median of $67.60. This wage influences part-time positions significantly, making it feasible for optometrists working three days a week to earn a stable income while enjoying a flexible schedule. Environments where optometrists typically operate include private practices, retail optical chains, and university clinics, offering options for both full-time and per-diem workers. Entry-level optometrists can expect an hourly rate starting at approximately $35.61, while the top earners in the field can make as much as $91.06 per hour, creating a diverse landscape in terms of earning potential within Mobile's optometry sector.
About the Mobile 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) | $35.61 | $284.91 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48.29 | $386.31 |
| Median (P50) | $61.42 | $491.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74.27 | $594.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $91.06 | $728.46 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Mobile
Based on $61.42/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $61.42/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Mobile, AL can expect to earn approximately $127,745 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $73,699. With a cost-of-living index of 87.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Mobile.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Mobile
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,456.63 | $10,645 | $127,745 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,473.98 | $6,387 | $76,647 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $982.65 | $4,258 | $51,098 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Mobile) | $61.42 |
| 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 Mobile, AL earn a median of $127,735 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.16% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 3.30% above the Alabama state average of $123,655.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $61.42/hr = $76,647/year (purchasing power: $87,198).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $127,745/year (purchasing power: $145,329).
CoL index: 87.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$50.34/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$59.65/hr
2026 Current Est.
$61.42/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Mobile (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50.34/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $51.56/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $54.29/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $54.85/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $42.41/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $62.78/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $59.65/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61.42/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63.23/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Mobile grew 18.5% from $50.34/hr (2019) to $59.65/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $63.23/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 Mobile 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 Mobile
Part-time optometrists working in Mobile can find that a three-day work schedule results in an annual income markedly lower than their full-time counterparts, leading to potential disparities in financial planning. For those engaged as per diem or locum tenens optometrists, compensation can be significantly higher, with daily rates ranging from $500-$800 at retail establishments, and even $700-$1,200 for fill-in work at OD/MD practices. Specialization often leads to higher pay; residency-trained ocular disease ODs can earn between $90-$130 per hour. Notably, hourly compensation differs across various employer types: private optometry offices, retail chains like LensCrafters, ophthalmology practices, and VA medical centers each have their unique pay structures. Many choose lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance, thus impacting their long-term financial strategy. When negotiating, consider the local job market and express the value of your skills, tailored to the specific needs of employers in Mobile.
More salary data for Mobile, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Mobile in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Mobile?
Are optometrists in Mobile paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Mobile?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Mobile?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Alabama
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 Mobile. 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 Mobile 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