Optometrist Hourly Pay in Gilbert, AZ: $68.27 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Gilbert, AZ runs $68.27 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $142,013 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Gilbert's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $69.31 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $85,204 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Gilbert, Arizona, the projected median hourly pay for optometrists in 2026 is estimated at $68.27, slightly higher than the national median of $67.60. This figure suggests a favorable environment for optometrists considering part-time roles, such as those working three days a week, allowing for a balanced lifestyle while earning a competitive wage. Per-diem opportunities are also available in various settings, including private optometry clinics, retail optical chains, and VA outpatient eye clinics. Entry-level optometrists might earn around $39.60 per hour, whereas seasoned professionals or specialists can command rates as high as $105.82 per hour, reflecting the range of experience and expertise within this field.
About the Gilbert 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) | $39.60 | $316.79 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54.70 | $437.62 |
| Median (P50) | $68.27 | $546.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $85.68 | $685.47 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $105.82 | $846.58 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Gilbert
Based on $68.27/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $68.27/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Gilbert, AZ can expect to earn approximately $142,007 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $81,927. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Gilbert.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Gilbert
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,730.91 | $11,834 | $142,007 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,638.55 | $7,100 | $85,204 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,092.36 | $4,734 | $56,803 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Gilbert) | $68.27 |
| 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 Gilbert, AZ earn a median of $142,013 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.00% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 2.50% above the Arizona state average of $138,549.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $68.27/hr = $85,204/year (purchasing power: $86,502).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $142,007/year (purchasing power: $144,170).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$55.96/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$66.31/hr
2026 Current Est.
$68.27/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Gilbert (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55.96/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $57.32/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $60.35/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $60.98/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $64.02/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $65.55/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $66.31/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68.27/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70.29/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Gilbert grew 18.5% from $55.96/hr (2019) to $66.31/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $70.29/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 Gilbert 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 Gilbert
When analyzing optometrist hourly pay in Gilbert, there is significant potential for those choosing part-time work or per-diem positions. For instance, an optometrist who works 24 hours a week can take home over $84,000 annually, which is a robust figure compared to the full-time average. Per diem optometrists often see rates between $500 and $800 per day at retail locations, or $700 to $1,200 at specialty practices, illustrating the lucrative nature of short-term contracts. Hourly rates can vary widely depending on the employer, with private practices typically offering different compensation compared to retail chains or hospital settings. While some optometrists may accept lower hourly pay in exchange for benefits, others prioritize higher pay for flexibility, emphasizing the need for effective negotiation strategies tailored to the Gilbert market.
More salary data for Gilbert, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Gilbert in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Gilbert?
Are optometrists in Gilbert paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Gilbert?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Gilbert?
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 Gilbert. 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 Gilbert 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