Optometrist Hourly Pay in Fountain, CO: $67.40 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Fountain, CO runs $67.40 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $140,184 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Fountain's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $64.19 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $84,112 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fountain, Colorado, the optometrist hourly pay is projected to be $67.40 for 2026, placing it slightly below the national median of $67.60. This hourly rate is attractive for both part-time clinicians and per-diem optometrists, particularly those practicing in settings such as private optometry exam rooms and retail optical chain locations. For part-timers working three days a week, they can find flexible scheduling while earning a competitive wage that ranges from $39.09 for entry-level positions to $98.14 for top earners. As salaries are typically derived from annual figures, those looking to work on a per-diem basis can anticipate varying compensation based on their employer type, making this a substantial aspect of financial planning for those in the field.
About the Fountain 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) | $39.09 | $312.75 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54.81 | $438.44 |
| Median (P50) | $67.40 | $539.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $81.38 | $651.04 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $98.14 | $785.13 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fountain
Based on $67.40/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $67.40/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fountain, CO can expect to earn approximately $140,187 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $80,877. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Fountain.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fountain
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,695.90 | $11,682 | $140,187 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,617.54 | $7,009 | $84,112 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,078.36 | $4,673 | $56,075 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Fountain) | $67.40 |
| 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 Fountain, CO earn a median of $140,184 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.30% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 5.10% below the Colorado state average of $147,718.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $67.40/hr = $84,112/year (purchasing power: $80,107).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $140,187/year (purchasing power: $133,511).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$55.24/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$65.46/hr
2026 Current Est.
$67.40/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Fountain (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55.24/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $56.58/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $59.58/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $60.20/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $63.20/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $67.10/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $65.46/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67.40/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69.39/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Fountain grew 18.5% from $55.24/hr (2019) to $65.46/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $69.39/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 Fountain 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 Fountain
Earning potential for part-time optometrists in Fountain can lead to significant differences when compared to full-time professionals. A three-day workweek totaling 24 hours results in a remarkable annual income, though less than that of full-time peers. For per diem or locum tenens positions, optometrists often command daily rates ranging from $500 to $1,200 depending on the type of practice—retail chains and OD/MD practices differ notably, influencing overall earnings. The variability of optometrist hourly rate CO reflects a broader trend, with retail chains offering competitive wages but often with fewer benefits. Additionally, while some practitioners may take lower hourly rates in exchange for health insurance, others may choose self-employed or agency work for higher pay brackets but without the safety net of benefits. When negotiating, being aware of the specific compensation norms across different establishments in Fountain is essential for ensuring fair remuneration in this evolving field.
More salary data for Fountain, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Fountain 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 Fountain. 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 Fountain 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