Optometrist Hourly Pay in Jacksonville, AR: $58.33 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Jacksonville, AR runs $58.33 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $121,310 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Jacksonville's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $67.12 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $72,792 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Jacksonville, Arkansas, optometrists earn a median hourly pay of $58.33, which translates to approximately $121,310 annually. This figure falls below the national median hourly rate of $67.60, indicating that optometrists in Jacksonville may face a different economic landscape. For those considering part-time work, such as a three-day workweek totaling 24 hours, this hourly rate allows for flexibility while still providing a respectable income for those choosing to balance their careers with personal commitments. The hourly range for optometrists in this area spans from $33.82 for entry-level positions to as high as $84.32 for top earners, reflecting a variety of settings, including private optometry exam rooms and retail optical chains.
About the Jacksonville Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($115,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33.82 | $270.58 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47.04 | $376.34 |
| Median (P50) | $58.33 | $466.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $70.05 | $560.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $84.32 | $674.59 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Jacksonville
Based on $58.33/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $58.33/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Jacksonville, AR can expect to earn approximately $121,320 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $69,992. With a cost-of-living index of 86.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Jacksonville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Jacksonville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,333.07 | $10,110 | $121,320 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,399.84 | $6,066 | $72,792 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $933.23 | $4,044 | $48,528 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Jacksonville) | $58.33 |
| 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 Jacksonville, AR earn a median of $121,310 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.73% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 0.70% below the Arkansas state average of $122,165.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $58.33/hr = $72,792/year (purchasing power: $83,765).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $121,320/year (purchasing power: $139,609).
CoL index: 86.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$47.81/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$56.65/hr
2026 Current Est.
$58.33/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Jacksonville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47.81/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $48.97/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $51.56/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $52.10/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $54.70/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $47.70/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $56.65/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58.33/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60.05/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Jacksonville grew 18.5% from $47.81/hr (2019) to $56.65/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $60.05/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 Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville
Beyond standard employment, per diem opportunities offer varying compensation for optometrists, with daily rates ranging from $500 to $1,200, depending on the practice type. Part-time optometrists operating three days a week may take home significantly less than their full-time counterparts, creating a gap that some may need to navigate carefully. Working in different environments like private practices, retail chains, or ophthalmology practices can influence hourly rates considerably; for instance, those in retail often find themselves earning less but may receive benefits. Negotiating hourly pay can be crucial, especially as new employment types arise in the field—like per diem positions—which often lack health insurance benefits. Understanding the trade-offs between higher hourly pay and the associated benefits will be key for optometrists working in Jacksonville and throughout AR, particularly as the scope of practice continues to evolve.
More salary data for Jacksonville, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Jacksonville in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Jacksonville?
Are optometrists in Jacksonville paid hourly or salary?
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Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Jacksonville?
Related Pages
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Nearby Cities in Arkansas
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 Jacksonville. 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 Jacksonville 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