Optometrist Hourly Pay in Castle Rock, CO: $69.92 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Castle Rock, CO runs $69.92 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $145,436 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Castle Rock's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $66.59 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $87,260 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Castle Rock, Colorado, the optometrist hourly pay is projected at $69.92 in 2026, which exceeds the national median hourly rate of $67.60. This competitive rate enables both full-time and part-time optometrists, including those working on a per-diem basis, to take advantage of diverse opportunities. Working three days a week, for example, could yield a substantial income depending on three 8-hour shifts per week. Optometrists in Castle Rock can expect to see hourly wages ranging from $40.56 for entry-level positions to as much as $100.24 for those in the upper echelons of the profession, reflecting the significant differences in experience and practice settings. These rates are estimates derived from annual salary data, indicating the financial potential in various employment environments such as private practices, retail optical locations, and outpatient clinics.
About the Castle Rock 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) | $40.56 | $324.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $57.36 | $458.87 |
| Median (P50) | $69.92 | $559.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $82.88 | $663.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $100.24 | $801.93 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Castle Rock
Based on $69.92/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $69.92/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Castle Rock, CO can expect to earn approximately $145,434 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $83,904. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Castle Rock.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Castle Rock
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,796.81 | $12,119 | $145,434 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,678.08 | $7,272 | $87,260 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,118.72 | $4,848 | $58,174 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Castle Rock) | $69.92 |
| 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 Castle Rock, CO earn a median of $145,436 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.43% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 1.50% below the Colorado state average of $147,651.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $69.92/hr = $87,260/year (purchasing power: $83,105).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $145,434/year (purchasing power: $138,508).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$57.31/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$67.91/hr
2026 Current Est.
$69.92/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Castle Rock (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57.31/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $58.70/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $61.81/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $62.45/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $65.57/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $69.62/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $67.91/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69.92/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71.99/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Castle Rock grew 18.5% from $57.31/hr (2019) to $67.91/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $71.99/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 Castle Rock 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 Castle Rock
Part-time optometrists in Castle Rock who work around 24 hours a week could bring home $97,442 annually, a solid figure that shows the viability of part-time work in this field. For those considering per diem roles, the reality can be notably lucrative, with fill-in optometrists at retail chains billing between $500 and $800 per day, while those in OD/MD practices may earn $700 to $1,200 daily. Moreover, residency-trained ocular disease specialists at hospital systems often command rates of $90 to $130 per hour. However, hourly compensation varies based on the type of employer in Castle Rock; private optometry practices typically offer different rates than retail chains like LensCrafters or Visionworks, as well as ophthalmology practices and government positions such as those in the VA or military health systems. While some optometrists may choose positions with lower hourly pay for health insurance benefits, others negotiate for higher rates with no benefits. Understanding the local job market will provide optometrists in 2026 with insights on optimizing their earnings, making informed decisions, and maximizing their worth in Castle Rock's optometry landscape.
More salary data for Castle Rock, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Castle Rock in 2026?
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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 Castle Rock. 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 Castle Rock 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