Optometrist Hourly Pay in Boulder, CO: $75.98 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Boulder, CO runs $75.98 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $158,044 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Boulder's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.2, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $72.23 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $94,829 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Optometrists in Boulder, Colorado, can expect a competitive median hourly pay of $75.98, which is significantly higher than the national median of $67.60. This robust pay scale reflects Boulder’s dynamic healthcare market and its appeal to both full-time and part-time professionals in various optometry environments. Part-time roles, typically scheduled three days a week, allow for flexibility while still ensuring substantial earnings. Per-diem optometrists, working in private clinics, retail chains, or VA outpatient facilities, have the potential to earn between $42.15 and $106.34 per hour, depending on their level of experience and the particular clinical setting. With a pay range that stretches from entry-level rates to those reaching the top of the salary bracket, Boulder's optometrists can find compelling opportunities amid the city's distinct optometric landscape.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $42.15 | $337.21 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $58.84 | $470.73 |
| Median (P50) | $75.98 | $607.88 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $87.22 | $697.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $106.34 | $850.70 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Boulder
Based on $75.98/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $75.98/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Boulder, CO can expect to earn approximately $158,048 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $91,181. With a cost-of-living index of 105.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Boulder.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Boulder
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,039.38 | $13,171 | $158,048 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,823.63 | $7,902 | $94,829 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,215.75 | $5,268 | $63,219 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Boulder) | $75.98 |
| 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 Boulder, CO earn a median of $158,044 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.40% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 7.00% above the Colorado state average of $147,704.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $75.98/hr = $94,829/year (purchasing power: $90,140).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $158,048/year (purchasing power: $150,233).
CoL index: 105.202 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$55.80/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$73.80/hr
2026 Current Est.
$75.98/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+40.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Boulder (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55.80/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $63.79/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $62.47/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $76.77/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $79.61/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $76.84/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $73.80/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $75.98/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78.23/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Boulder grew 32.3% from $55.80/hr (2019) to $73.80/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $78.23/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 Boulder 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 Boulder
For part-time optometrists in Boulder, a schedule of three days a week translates to a potential annual income significantly lower than their full-time counterparts, yet distinctively rewarding. Rather than relying on a fixed annual income, many professionals in this field embrace the variability of work options, frequently opting for per-diem roles, which often pay between $500 and $800 a day at retail chains and $700 to $1,200 at OD/MD practices. In Boulder, the employment environment is diverse, characterized by private practices, retail optical chains, and hospital systems, where hourly rates can fluctuate depending on the employer's operational model. While some optometrists may accept lower hourly rates for the added benefits of health insurance and stability, others might prioritize higher pay without those benefits, tailoring their career paths to fit their unique financial needs. Negotiation becomes crucial here; understanding local market trends and being prepared to address broader scopes of practice, including glaucoma management and oral medications, can empower optometrists in Boulder to secure advantageous hourly agreements.
More salary data for Boulder, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Boulder. 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, 6-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