Optometrist Hourly Pay in Brighton, CO: $67.67 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Brighton, CO runs $67.67 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $140,734 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Brighton's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $64.44 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $84,446 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Brighton, Colorado, the optometrist hourly pay stands at $67.67, slightly above the national median of $67.60. This rate offers a solid income for both full-time and part-time optometrists working in various environments, such as private optometry practices, retail optical chains like LensCrafters, and even VA outpatient clinics. For those opting for part-time positions, such as working three days a week, the flexibility can be appealing, given this hourly rate. Entry-level positions may start around $39.35 per hour, while seasoned practitioners can earn up to $99.04, showcasing the potential for significant financial growth in this profession within the Brighton area. It's essential to understand that these hourly figures are derived from estimated annual salaries, but they provide a clear view of the financial landscape for optometrists in this vibrant community.
About the Brighton Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($140,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39.35 | $314.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55.34 | $442.73 |
| Median (P50) | $67.67 | $541.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $82.01 | $656.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $99.04 | $792.30 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Brighton
Based on $67.67/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $67.67/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Brighton, CO can expect to earn approximately $140,744 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $81,198. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Brighton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Brighton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,706.61 | $11,729 | $140,744 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,623.97 | $7,037 | $84,446 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,082.64 | $4,691 | $56,298 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Brighton) | $67.67 |
| 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 Brighton, CO earn a median of $140,734 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.09% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 4.70% below the Colorado state average of $147,675.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $67.67/hr = $84,446/year (purchasing power: $80,425).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $140,744/year (purchasing power: $134,042).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$55.46/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$65.72/hr
2026 Current Est.
$67.67/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Brighton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55.46/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $56.81/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $59.82/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $60.44/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $63.45/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $67.37/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $65.72/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67.67/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69.67/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Brighton grew 18.5% from $55.46/hr (2019) to $65.72/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $69.67/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 Brighton 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 Brighton
Part-time optometrists working in Brighton on a three-day weekly schedule can expect to earn roughly $100,035 annually, significantly less than their full-time counterparts, yet still offering a respectable pay option compared to other professions. Per diem opportunities in the area can attract practitioners who seek flexibility and varied experiences; per diem optometrists often bill between $500 and $800 per day in retail settings, while fill-in positions in OD/MD practices can range from $700 to $1,200. This flexibility comes at a price, as many may forgo comprehensive benefits associated with full-time positions, opting instead for enhanced hourly rates. Compensation can differ widely across employer types—those in more prestigious hospital systems may command higher hourly rates, while retail chains may offer lower pay but include health benefits. Negotiating nuances reflect the demand for skill sets, with residency-trained optometrists often able to secure higher hourly pays in specialized roles versus non-residency counterparts. In Brighton, understanding these factors can empower eye care professionals to make informed decisions about their career paths and compensation structures.
More salary data for Brighton, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Brighton in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Brighton?
Are optometrists in Brighton paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Brighton?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Brighton?
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 Brighton. 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 Brighton 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