Optometrist Hourly Pay in Montgomery, AL: $61.23 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Montgomery, AL runs $61.23 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $127,352 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Montgomery's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.9, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $69.66 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $76,415 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Montgomery, Alabama, the optometrist hourly pay stands at a median of $61.23, reflecting a notable difference when compared to the national hourly median of $67.60. This rate serves as a vital benchmark for those considering part-time or per-diem positions in various settings such as private optometry exam rooms, retail optical chains, ophthalmology practices, and VA outpatient clinics. For instance, part-time optometrists working three days a week would experience different financial dynamics compared to their full-time peers, with hourly earnings on a sliding scale from $35.51 for entry-level positions to $92.85 for top earners. Careful assessment of hourly rates based on estimated annual salaries can help professionals determine their earning potential as they navigate their career options in Montgomery.
About the Montgomery 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) | $35.51 | $284.09 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49.40 | $395.20 |
| Median (P50) | $61.23 | $489.84 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74.77 | $598.16 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $92.85 | $742.79 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Montgomery
Based on $61.23/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $61.23/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Montgomery, AL can expect to earn approximately $127,359 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $73,476. With a cost-of-living index of 87.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Montgomery.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Montgomery
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,449.21 | $10,613 | $127,359 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,469.53 | $6,368 | $76,415 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $979.68 | $4,245 | $50,944 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Montgomery) | $61.23 |
| 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 Montgomery, AL earn a median of $127,352 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.43% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 3.00% above the Alabama state average of $123,643.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $61.23/hr = $76,415/year (purchasing power: $86,935).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $127,359/year (purchasing power: $144,891).
CoL index: 87.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$57.29/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$59.47/hr
2026 Current Est.
$61.23/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+10.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Montgomery (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57.29/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $48.63/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $47.88/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $54.77/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $57.42/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $51.38/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $59.47/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61.23/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63.04/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Montgomery grew 3.8% from $57.29/hr (2019) to $59.47/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $63.04/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 Montgomery 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 Montgomery
Examining the financial specifics reveals a compelling narrative for those balancing part-time work against full-time opportunities. A part-time optometrist working 24 hours in a week could expect to earn significantly less annually compared to full-time counterparts, yet still maintain a reasonable income. Per diem optometrist pay in Montgomery showcases a versatile range, where fill-in optometrists at retail locations can charge anywhere from $500 to $800 daily, while those in specialty practices may command $700 to $1,200 for a day's work. Employment variations also play a role in hourly rates, as owners of private practices may offer different compensation schedules compared to larger chains or hospital settings. For some, opting for lower hourly rates while enjoying health benefits presents a trade-off worth considering. Additionally, those entering negotiations should keep in mind their particular circumstances—highlighting skills such as residency training or specialized expertise could be advantageous in discussions regarding compensation across Montgomery's diverse optometry job market.
More salary data for Montgomery, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Montgomery in 2026?
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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 Montgomery. 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 Montgomery 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