Optometrist Hourly Pay in Broomfield, CO: $69.90 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Broomfield, CO runs $69.90 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $145,390 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Broomfield's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $66.57 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $87,235 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Broomfield, Colorado, the projected median hourly rate for optometrists is $69.90, which exceeds the national hourly median of $67.60. This robust rate provides a solid foundation for both full-time and part-time practitioners, especially those working in diverse settings such as private optometry offices, retail optical chains, and outpatient clinics. For part-time optometrists who typically work three days a week, the hourly rate can translate to a practical financial arrangement, allowing for a flexible schedule while still generating significant income. The hourly wage can vary quite a bit, with entry-level positions typically starting around $40.70 and experienced optometrists earning up to $104.42, suggesting that the field offers substantial growth potential for those willing to invest in their career.
About the Broomfield 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) | $40.70 | $325.60 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $57.31 | $458.46 |
| Median (P50) | $69.90 | $559.20 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $85.55 | $684.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $104.42 | $835.38 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Broomfield
Based on $69.90/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $69.90/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Broomfield, CO can expect to earn approximately $145,391 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $83,879. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Broomfield.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Broomfield
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,795.98 | $12,116 | $145,391 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,677.59 | $7,270 | $87,235 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,118.39 | $4,846 | $58,156 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Broomfield) | $69.90 |
| 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 Broomfield, CO earn a median of $145,390 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.40% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 1.50% below the Colorado state average of $147,604.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $69.90/hr = $87,235/year (purchasing power: $83,081).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $145,391/year (purchasing power: $138,468).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$57.29/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$67.89/hr
2026 Current Est.
$69.90/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Broomfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57.29/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $58.68/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $61.79/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $62.43/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $65.55/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $69.59/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $67.89/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69.90/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71.97/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Broomfield grew 18.5% from $57.29/hr (2019) to $67.89/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $71.97/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 Broomfield 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 Broomfield
For those considering part-time or per-diem work, the financial realities differ. A part-time optometrist working 24 hours weekly could potentially net around $99,144 annually, while a full-time optometrist may earn much more. Per diem optometrists in Broomfield commonly earn between $500-$800 daily at retail locations, with shifts in private practice or hospital settings yielding $700-$1,200. Additionally, residency-trained optometrists specializing in ocular disease can bill at even higher rates of $90-$130 hourly. However, hourly rates can fluctuate based on the work environment, with private practices often offering lower rates than corporate chains, albeit with added benefits like health insurance. Practitioners should weigh these trade-offs carefully when considering locations and employment types. It's crucial to approach negotiations with clear expectations and an understanding of local compensation trends, particularly in a market like Broomfield where unique skill sets can command premium rates.
More salary data for Broomfield, 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 Broomfield. 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 Broomfield 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