Optometrist Hourly Pay in Chandler, AZ: $57.80 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Chandler, AZ runs $57.80 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $120,228 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Chandler's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $58.68 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $72,137 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Chandler, Arizona, the projected median hourly pay for optometrists in 2026 stands at $57.80, notably lower than the national figure of $67.60 per hour. This hourly rate offers a viable option for part-time or per-diem workers who may prefer flexible schedules working in settings like private optometry practices, retail optical kiosks, or university teaching clinics. For those working just three days a week, the ability to earn between $33.52 (entry-level) to $88.31 (top earners) makes a career in optometry both feasible and appealing. These figures are derived from annual salary data estimates, highlighting the earning potential for those entering or currently practicing within the profession in Chandler.
About the Chandler 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) | $33.52 | $268.19 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43.70 | $349.57 |
| Median (P50) | $57.80 | $462.41 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $71.16 | $569.25 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $88.31 | $706.47 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chandler
Based on $57.80/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $57.80/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chandler, AZ can expect to earn approximately $120,228 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $69,362. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Chandler.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chandler
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,312.07 | $10,019 | $120,228 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,387.24 | $6,011 | $72,137 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $924.83 | $4,008 | $48,091 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Chandler) | $57.80 |
| 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 Chandler, AZ earn a median of $120,228 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.50% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 13.20% below the Arizona state average of $138,512.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $57.80/hr = $72,137/year (purchasing power: $73,235).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $120,228/year (purchasing power: $122,059).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$47.38/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$56.14/hr
2026 Current Est.
$57.80/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Chandler (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47.38/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $48.53/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $51.10/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $51.63/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $54.20/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $66.31/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $56.14/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57.80/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59.51/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Chandler grew 18.5% from $47.38/hr (2019) to $56.14/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $59.51/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 Chandler 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 Chandler
Earning as a part-time optometrist in Chandler can yield a respectable income, where a 24-hour weekly schedule translates to a more stable annual income than many may expect. Per-diem positions are also lucrative, with optometrists often billing $500-$800 daily at retail chains and $700-$1,200 for OD/MD practice fill-ins. Furthermore, residency-trained ocular disease specialists in hospital systems may command $90-$130 per hour under a 1099 arrangement. Hourly rates vary significantly across different employment types, influenced by benefits, job security, and the flexibility that comes with freelance arrangements. Some practitioners might opt for slightly lower hourly rates at more stable jobs offering health insurance and other benefits rather than pursuing higher pay in settings with no such perks. For those interested in maximizing their compensation, understanding how to negotiate effectively for each specific contract is crucial in Chandler's evolving optometry environment.
More salary data for Chandler, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Chandler in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Chandler?
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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 Chandler. 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 Chandler 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