Optometrist Hourly Pay in Centennial, CO: $78.99 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Centennial, CO runs $78.99 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $164,302 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Centennial's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $75.23 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $98,581 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Optometrists in Centennial, Colorado, earn a median hourly pay of $78.99, significantly higher than the national median of $67.60. This robust hourly pay reflects not only the demand for optometric services in the area but also the competitive landscape within various practice settings such as private optometry exam rooms, retail optical chains, and military health systems. For part-time optometrists working three days a week, this translates to substantial income potential, enabling them to balance professional commitments with other endeavors. Additionally, entry-level optometrists may expect to earn around $45.82 per hour, while those at the top of their field can command rates up to $122.44. It's essential to note that these hourly rates are derived from annual salary estimates, providing a compelling picture of what a career in optometry can yield in Centennial.
About the Centennial 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) | $45.82 | $366.54 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $60.80 | $486.38 |
| Median (P50) | $78.99 | $631.93 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $94.18 | $753.42 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $122.44 | $979.52 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Centennial
Based on $78.99/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $78.99/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Centennial, CO can expect to earn approximately $164,301 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $94,789. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Centennial.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Centennial
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,159.64 | $13,692 | $164,301 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,895.78 | $8,215 | $98,581 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,263.85 | $5,477 | $65,720 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Centennial) | $78.99 |
| 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 Centennial, CO earn a median of $164,302 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.85% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 11.30% above the Colorado state average of $147,620.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $78.99/hr = $98,581/year (purchasing power: $93,886).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $164,301/year (purchasing power: $156,477).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$64.74/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$76.72/hr
2026 Current Est.
$78.99/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Centennial (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64.74/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $66.32/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $69.83/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $70.55/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $74.07/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $72.03/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $76.72/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78.99/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81.33/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Centennial grew 18.5% from $64.74/hr (2019) to $76.72/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $81.33/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 Centennial 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 Centennial
For those considering part-time positions, working three days a week can equate to approximately 1,248 hours annually, resulting in earnings of around $98,967, compared to a full-time schedule that could push annual income closer to $182,868. Per diem optometrists also have lucrative opportunities, often earning between $500 and $1,200 per day depending on the setting. Whether filling shifts at retail chains or specialty practices, hourly rates can vary widely; residency-trained optometrists in ocular disease may earn much higher rates. The decision matrix for optometrists in Centennial often involves weighing higher hourly pay against potential benefits like health insurance, particularly for those in corporate models or larger practices. When negotiating roles, it's advisable for optometrists to benchmark salaries specific to their areas of practice and to factor in the comprehensive scope of work they perform—ranging from routine vision exams to more complex glaucoma and surgical procedures.
More salary data for Centennial, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Centennial in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Centennial?
Are optometrists in Centennial paid hourly or salary?
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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 Centennial. 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 Centennial 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