Optometrist Hourly Pay in Apache Junction, AZ: $64.20 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Apache Junction, AZ runs $64.20 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $133,536 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Apache Junction's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $65.17 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $80,116 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Apache Junction, Arizona, the optometrist hourly pay is projected to reach approximately $64.20 in 2026, which falls slightly below the national median of $67.60 per hour. This hourly wage holds significant implications for various working arrangements within the profession. For part-time optometrists, such as those working three days a week, the ability to earn this hourly rate can lead to an annual income that can comfortably support living expenses, especially against a cost of living index of 98.5, which is below the national average. While entry-level positions may start near $38.26, the upper range for experienced optometrists can reach up to $89.14 per hour, indicating a robust potential for career progression in this field across different settings, from private practices to retail optical chains.
About the Apache Junction Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.26 | $306.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53.40 | $427.16 |
| Median (P50) | $64.20 | $513.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74.87 | $598.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $89.14 | $713.14 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Apache Junction
Based on $64.20/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $64.20/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Apache Junction, AZ can expect to earn approximately $133,527 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $77,035. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Apache Junction.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Apache Junction
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,567.82 | $11,127 | $133,527 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,540.69 | $6,676 | $80,116 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,027.13 | $4,451 | $53,411 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Apache Junction) | $64.20 |
| 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 Apache Junction, AZ earn a median of $133,536 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.03% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 3.60% below the Arizona state average of $138,523.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $64.20/hr = $80,116/year (purchasing power: $81,336).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $133,527/year (purchasing power: $135,560).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$52.62/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$62.35/hr
2026 Current Est.
$64.20/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Apache Junction (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52.62/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $53.89/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $56.75/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $57.34/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $60.20/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $61.64/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $62.35/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64.20/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66.10/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Apache Junction grew 18.5% from $52.62/hr (2019) to $62.35/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $66.10/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 Apache Junction 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 Apache Junction
Exploring the specifics of part-time or per-diem work reveals a nuanced picture of earnings for optometrists in Apache Junction. For example, an optometrist working 24 hours a week may take home an annual figure considerably less than their full-time counterparts, yet still benefit from flexibility in their schedule. Per diem optometrists often have the opportunity to command daily rates ranging from $500 to $1,200, depending on the type of practice, such as retail chains or private ophthalmology clinics. This disparity in compensation across various employment types highlights the trade-offs optometrists make when prioritizing benefits over hourly pay. While some may accept lower hourly wages in exchange for health insurance and benefits, others may prefer the premium associated with high-demand locum positions or those in specialties like ocular disease management. For those seeking to maximize their earnings within this profession, understanding local market conditions and employing strategic negotiation skills are essential when discussing compensation packages in Apache Junction.
More salary data for Apache Junction, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Apache Junction in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Apache Junction?
Are optometrists in Apache Junction paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Apache Junction?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Apache Junction?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Arizona
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 Apache Junction. 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 Apache Junction 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