Optometrist Hourly Pay in Fayetteville, AR: $65.29 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Fayetteville, AR runs $65.29 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $135,794 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Fayetteville's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.4, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $71.47 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $81,478 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Fayetteville, AR offers an attractive median hourly rate for optometrists at $65.29, which is slightly below the national median of $67.60. This rate creates favorable conditions for those looking to work part-time or as per-diem optometrists, allowing for flexibility in their schedules across various settings. Whether practicing in private optometry exam rooms, retail optical chains, or VA outpatient eye clinics, many optometrists can choose arrangements that suit their work-life balance. The hourly pay structure varies widely, ranging from $30.42 for entry-level positions to $108.74 for the top earners in the profession, as projected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics based on 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30.42 | $243.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48.15 | $385.24 |
| Median (P50) | $65.29 | $522.30 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79.58 | $636.62 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $108.74 | $869.89 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fayetteville
Based on $65.29/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $65.29/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fayetteville, AR can expect to earn approximately $135,797 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $78,344. With a cost-of-living index of 91.35 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Fayetteville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fayetteville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,611.48 | $11,316 | $135,797 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,566.89 | $6,790 | $81,478 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,044.59 | $4,527 | $54,319 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Fayetteville) | $65.29 |
| 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 Fayetteville, AR earn a median of $135,794 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.43% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 11.10% above the Arkansas state average of $122,227.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $65.29/hr = $81,478/year (purchasing power: $89,190).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $135,797/year (purchasing power: $148,651).
CoL index: 91.353 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$43.36/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$63.41/hr
2026 Current Est.
$65.29/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+55.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Fayetteville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43.36/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $45.00/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $49.75/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $53.56/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $63.32/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $49.95/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $63.41/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65.29/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67.22/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Fayetteville grew 46.2% from $43.36/hr (2019) to $63.41/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $67.22/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 Fayetteville 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 Fayetteville
For optometrists considering part-time work, a typical 3-day work schedule (approximately 24 hours per week) may yield significantly different annual incomes compared to full-time schedules. Per-diem or agency optometrists can command daily rates between $500 and $1,200, depending on the practice type. This path can be appealing for those looking to maximize their earnings while maintaining flexibility, especially for residency-trained professionals who often seek prime opportunities in hospitals. In Fayetteville, the hourly rates can differ sharply across employer types, with retail optical chains generally offering lower rates than specialized practices like OD/MD models. Additionally, some optometrists find themselves trading off higher hourly rates in exchange for health benefits and job security. When negotiating hourly pay, it's critical for optometrists to highlight their credentials, stay informed about local market rates, and consider the full compensation package, including benefits and work conditions.
More salary data for Fayetteville, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Fayetteville in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Fayetteville?
Are optometrists in Fayetteville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Fayetteville?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Fayetteville?
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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 Fayetteville. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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