Optometrist Hourly Pay in Commerce City, CO: $68.86 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Commerce City, CO runs $68.86 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $143,227 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Commerce City's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $65.58 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $85,937 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Commerce City, Colorado, the optometrist hourly pay has been projected at a median of $68.86, which is slightly above the national hourly median of $67.60. This competitive wage offers both full-time and part-time optometrists the benefit of a lucrative income while potentially allowing flexibility in their work schedules. For part-time professionals working three days a week, or even per-diem optometrists filling in specific shifts, this translates to a significant hourly haul. While entry-level optometrists may begin at $39.94 per hour, those at the top of the earning spectrum can reach impressive rates of $100.83 per hour. It's crucial to remember that these figures are derived from annual salary estimates and reflect the diverse work environments in which optometrists operate, including private practices, retail optical chains, and VA outpatient clinics.
About the Commerce City 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) | $39.94 | $319.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55.24 | $441.90 |
| Median (P50) | $68.86 | $550.88 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $83.05 | $664.38 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $100.83 | $806.63 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Commerce City
Based on $68.86/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $68.86/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Commerce City, CO can expect to earn approximately $143,228 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $82,632. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Commerce City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Commerce City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,754.39 | $11,936 | $143,228 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,652.63 | $7,161 | $85,937 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,101.75 | $4,774 | $57,291 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Commerce City) | $68.86 |
| 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 Commerce City, CO earn a median of $143,227 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.86% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 3.00% below the Colorado state average of $147,656.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $68.86/hr = $85,937/year (purchasing power: $81,845).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $143,228/year (purchasing power: $136,408).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$56.44/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$66.88/hr
2026 Current Est.
$68.86/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Commerce City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56.44/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $57.81/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $60.87/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $61.50/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $64.57/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $68.56/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $66.88/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68.86/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70.90/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Commerce City grew 18.5% from $56.44/hr (2019) to $66.88/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $70.90/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 Commerce City 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 Commerce City
Given the strong median hourly rate in Commerce City, part-time optometrists can expect an annual income that reflects their chosen work schedule, providing a stable earnings situation without committing to full-time work. Typically, those working three days a week could realize an annual income significantly lower than that of their full-time counterparts, yet still within a respectable range. Per diem opportunities abound, where fill-in optometrists can earn anywhere from $500 to $800 daily at retail settings, and those stepping into OD/MD roles might see $700 to $1,200 per day. However, hourly pay varies widely across different employers—private practices may offer lower benefits but competitive pay, while larger chains could provide higher hourly wages with extensive health insurance packages. This creates a nuanced decision-making process for optometrists. Moreover, negotiation skills are essential; whether seeking higher hourly rates or added benefits, professionals in the area should be prepared to present their value while understanding market rate dynamics in optometry's evolving landscape.
More salary data for Commerce City, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Commerce City in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Commerce City?
Are optometrists in Commerce City paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Commerce City?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Commerce City?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Colorado
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 Commerce City. 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 Commerce City 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