Optometrist Hourly Pay in Erie, CO: $70.23 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Erie, CO runs $70.23 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $146,085 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Erie's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $66.88 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $87,646 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Erie, Colorado, the expected median hourly rate for optometrists stands at $70.23, surpassing the national average of $67.60. This notable figure reflects the competitive landscape for part-time positions, where optometrists may choose to work three days a week, leading to desirable income streams while maintaining flexibility. The hourly pay varies significantly, with entry-level optometrists earning around $40.73 and experienced professionals potentially making up to $98.59. The hourly rates are derived from projected annual salaries, making them instrumental for those considering positions in various settings, including private optometry practices, retail optical chains, and academic institutions.
About the Erie 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) | $40.73 | $325.85 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $56.36 | $450.88 |
| Median (P50) | $70.23 | $561.83 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $82.56 | $660.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $98.59 | $788.76 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Erie
Based on $70.23/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $70.23/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Erie, CO can expect to earn approximately $146,076 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $84,275. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Erie.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Erie
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,809.16 | $12,173 | $146,076 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,685.50 | $7,304 | $87,646 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,123.66 | $4,869 | $58,431 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Erie) | $70.23 |
| 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 Erie, CO earn a median of $146,085 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.89% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 1.10% below the Colorado state average of $147,710.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $70.23/hr = $87,646/year (purchasing power: $83,472).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $146,076/year (purchasing power: $139,120).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$57.56/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$68.21/hr
2026 Current Est.
$70.23/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Erie (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57.56/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $58.96/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $62.08/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $62.73/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $65.86/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $69.93/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $68.21/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70.23/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72.31/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Erie grew 18.5% from $57.56/hr (2019) to $68.21/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $72.31/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 Erie 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 Erie
Evaluating the financial implications of a part-time optometrist's work in Erie reveals interesting earning potential. A three-day workweek translates to roughly 24 hours, yielding an annual income of approximately $87,000; this amount is substantially lower than a full-time commitment but provides the advantage of a flexible schedule. Per diem optometrists in Erie often command rates that can be lucrative, billing anywhere from $500 to $1,200 per day depending on the practice setting. This type of work offers varying hourly compensation based on employment types, such as private practices, retail chains, or hospital settings. As some optometrists weigh the trade-offs of higher hourly rates against benefits in salaried positions, negotiation becomes key, especially in Erie’s burgeoning market. Understanding local pay dynamics and leveraging experience can significantly influence these discussions while aligning with the expanding scope of practice in optometry, potentially enhancing earning capacity.
More salary data for Erie, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Erie 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 Erie. 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 Erie 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