Optometrist Hourly Pay in Pelham, AL: $54.95 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Pelham, AL runs $54.95 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $114,300 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Pelham's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.9, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $62.51 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $68,577 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pelham, Alabama, the optometrist hourly pay is estimated at $54.95 in 2026, which reflects a noticeable difference when compared to the national median hourly rate of $67.60. This figure can significantly impact those considering part-time or per-diem work; for example, an optometrist working three days a week would take home a salary that aligns with this hourly rate, providing flexibility in scheduling while still offering solid earnings. Within Pelham, the hourly compensation can range dramatically from $33.08 for entry-level positions to as high as $76.05 for top earners, indicative of variations in experience and workplace setting. These estimates are derived from annual salary data, providing a comprehensive view of what optometrists can expect in terms of hourly wages across various settings, including private exam rooms, retail chains, and team practices.
About the Pelham 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) | $33.08 | $264.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45.73 | $365.88 |
| Median (P50) | $54.95 | $439.60 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $64.56 | $516.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $76.05 | $608.37 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pelham
Based on $54.95/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $54.95/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pelham, AL can expect to earn approximately $114,295 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $65,940. With a cost-of-living index of 87.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Pelham.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pelham
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,197.99 | $9,525 | $114,295 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,318.79 | $5,715 | $68,577 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $879.20 | $3,810 | $45,718 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Pelham) | $54.95 |
| 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 Pelham, AL earn a median of $114,300 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.71% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 7.50% below the Alabama state average of $123,568.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $54.95/hr = $68,577/year (purchasing power: $78,017).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $114,295/year (purchasing power: $130,029).
CoL index: 87.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$45.04/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$53.37/hr
2026 Current Est.
$54.95/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Pelham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45.04/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $46.13/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $48.58/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $49.08/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $51.53/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $46.11/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $53.37/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54.95/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56.58/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Pelham grew 18.5% from $45.04/hr (2019) to $53.37/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $56.58/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 Pelham 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 Pelham
For those considering part-time opportunities, the financial return for an optometrist working a 24-hour week can amount to substantial take-home pay annually, albeit less than full-time counterparts. Per diem positions present lucrative alternatives; optometrists may bill up to $800 daily at retail locations like LensCrafters or even more in specialty practices, where daily rates can reach $1,200. Local hourly rates may differ based on the employer, with private practices often providing lower pay compared to retail optical chains, largely due to benefits considerations. While some optometrists trade higher hourly rates for comprehensive health insurance, others prioritize immediate earnings without additional perks. When negotiating hourly wages in Pelham, consider emphasizing your qualifications, such as AOA membership or residency training, which can bolster your marketability in both full-time and per-diem roles.
More salary data for Pelham, 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 Pelham. 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 Pelham 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