Optometrist Hourly Pay in Tempe, AZ: $66.87 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Tempe, AZ runs $66.87 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $139,088 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Tempe's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $67.89 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $83,457 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Tempe, Arizona, the optometrist hourly rate stands at a median of $66.87, reflecting the local market's valuation compared to the national average of $67.60 per hour. This rate provides a solid earnings potential for both part-time and per-diem optometrists operating within various settings, including private optometry practices, retail optical chain locations, and VA outpatient eye clinics. For those working part-time—perhaps three days a week—this translates into a sustainable income while maintaining a flexible schedule. The hourly range for optometrists in Tempe varies from entry-level positions at approximately $38.79 (P10) to top earners making as much as $97.69 (P90). It is essential to note that these hourly figures are estimated from annual salary data, enabling potential optometrists to gauge their earning prospects based on their career stage and chosen work environment.
About the Tempe 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) | $38.79 | $310.28 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54.26 | $434.08 |
| Median (P50) | $66.87 | $534.98 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $80.00 | $640.00 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $97.69 | $781.51 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tempe
Based on $66.87/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $66.87/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tempe, AZ can expect to earn approximately $139,095 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $80,247. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Tempe.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tempe
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,674.90 | $11,591 | $139,095 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,604.94 | $6,955 | $83,457 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,069.96 | $4,636 | $55,638 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Tempe) | $66.87 |
| 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 Tempe, AZ earn a median of $139,088 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.08% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 0.40% above the Arizona state average of $138,534.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $66.87/hr = $83,457/year (purchasing power: $84,728).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $139,095/year (purchasing power: $141,213).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$54.81/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$64.95/hr
2026 Current Est.
$66.87/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Tempe (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54.81/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $56.14/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $59.11/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $59.73/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $62.71/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $64.20/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $64.95/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66.87/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68.85/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Tempe grew 18.5% from $54.81/hr (2019) to $64.95/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $68.85/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 Tempe 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 Tempe
Part-time optometrists in Tempe can expect to take home a significant income, even working only three days a week. For a 24-hour workweek, they might earn around $80,000 annually, which offers a comfortable lifestyle, especially in a city with a cost of living index of 98.5. On the other hand, per diem optometrists generally charge more, with rates ranging from $500 to $800 per day at retail chains, while filling in at OD/MD practices can yield between $700 and $1,200 per day. The reality for residency-trained ocular disease ODs in hospital systems may even see them earning between $90 and $130 per hour on a 1099 contract. Optometrists' hourly rates can also differ significantly based on their employer type in Tempe. While private practices may offer lower hourly wages due to benefits such as health insurance, retail chains allow for higher hourly rates but with fewer or no benefits. For those negotiating their pay, understanding the local market and emphasizing any specialized training, such as that from AOA-accredited programs, can enhance their bargaining power.
More salary data for Tempe, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Tempe in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Tempe?
Are optometrists in Tempe paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Tempe?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Tempe?
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 Tempe. 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 Tempe 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