Optometrist Hourly Pay in Fort Collins, CO: $80.80 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Fort Collins, CO runs $80.80 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $168,072 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Fort Collins's regional price level (BEA RPP 101.1, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $79.90 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $100,842 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Fort Collins, Colorado, the projected median optometrist hourly pay for 2026 is $80.80, which significantly exceeds the national median of $67.60. This competitive hourly rate provides attractive earning potential for part-time workers, who might typically operate on a 3-day workweek schedule, resulting in a substantial income even when not working full-time. Per-diem optometrists, often found in various environments such as private exam rooms, retail chains, and outpatient facilities, can expect to earn between $51.58 and $158.58 hourly, depending on their experience and employer type. With 80 optometrists employed in Fort Collins, the profession reflects a strong growth trend that aligns with the 2.96% annual growth rate anticipated over the next five years, indicating robust opportunities for both entry-level practitioners and seasoned professionals looking to maximize their pay scale.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $51.58 | $412.66 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $64.99 | $519.91 |
| Median (P50) | $80.80 | $646.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $118.70 | $949.62 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $158.58 | $1268.63 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fort Collins
Based on $80.80/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $80.80/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fort Collins, CO can expect to earn approximately $168,070 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $96,964. With a cost-of-living index of 101.13 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Fort Collins.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fort Collins
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,232.12 | $14,006 | $168,070 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,939.27 | $8,404 | $100,842 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,292.85 | $5,602 | $67,228 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Fort Collins) | $80.80 |
| 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 Fort Collins, CO earn a median of $168,072 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.53% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 13.80% above the Colorado state average of $147,691.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $80.80/hr = $100,842/year (purchasing power: $99,717).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $168,070/year (purchasing power: $166,196).
CoL index: 101.128 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$40.20/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$78.48/hr
2026 Current Est.
$80.80/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+107.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Fort Collins (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40.20/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $45.34/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $60.78/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $63.27/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $72.42/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $73.98/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $78.48/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80.80/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $83.19/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Fort Collins grew 95.2% from $40.20/hr (2019) to $78.48/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $83.19/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 Fort Collins 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 Fort Collins
Optometrists working part-time in Fort Collins typically clock around 24 hours per week, which translates into a significant income over the course of a year. This means that part-timers can expect a comfortable lifestyle, even if their annual figures don't match those of their full-time counterparts. Per diem roles are particularly lucrative, with optometrists able to bill anywhere from $500 to $1,200 daily, depending on the practice setting—from retail chains to hospital systems. Moreover, hourly rates can fluctuate based on the employer; retail optical chains and private practices may offer different compensation packages, with some positions lacking health benefits. For new graduates or those who are establishing their careers, understanding the trade-offs involved in hourly pay versus benefits can be crucial for negotiating salaries effectively. Conducting research about local hospital systems or private practices can provide insights into potential employment opportunities in Fort Collins, guiding new optometrists in making informed career choices.
More salary data for Fort Collins, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Fort Collins in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Fort Collins?
Are optometrists in Fort Collins paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Fort Collins?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Fort Collins?
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 Fort Collins. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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