Optometrist Hourly Pay in Northglenn, CO: $67.33 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Northglenn, CO runs $67.33 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $140,046 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Northglenn's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $64.12 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $84,022 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Northglenn, Colorado, the optometrist hourly pay stands at a median of $67.33, slightly below the national hourly median of $67.60. This hourly rate reflects the value of a role that typically accommodates various employment scenarios, including part-time positions often set at three days per week, which can be appealing for those seeking work-life balance. Per-diem optometrists working in private practices, retail optical chains, or outpatient eye clinics may also find this hourly model advantageous as it allows for flexibility, even if it varies significantly based on experience and the type of practice. For newly starting practitioners, hourly compensation may start lower, with figures as low as $39.05, while experienced professionals can earn up to $97.93, highlighting a substantial income range within the field.
About the Northglenn 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) | $39.05 | $312.42 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54.67 | $437.37 |
| Median (P50) | $67.33 | $538.60 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $81.23 | $649.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $97.93 | $783.40 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Northglenn
Based on $67.33/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $67.33/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Northglenn, CO can expect to earn approximately $140,037 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $80,791. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Northglenn.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Northglenn
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,693.02 | $11,670 | $140,037 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,615.81 | $7,002 | $84,022 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,077.21 | $4,668 | $56,015 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Northglenn) | $67.33 |
| 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 Northglenn, CO earn a median of $140,046 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.40% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 5.10% below the Colorado state average of $147,572.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $67.33/hr = $84,022/year (purchasing power: $80,021).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $140,037/year (purchasing power: $133,369).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$55.18/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$65.39/hr
2026 Current Est.
$67.33/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Northglenn (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55.18/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $56.52/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $59.52/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $60.13/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $63.13/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $67.04/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $65.39/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67.33/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69.32/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Northglenn grew 18.5% from $55.18/hr (2019) to $65.39/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $69.32/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 Northglenn 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 Northglenn
Considering part-time work in Northglenn, an optometrist putting in about 24 hours a week could potentially earn around $51,965 annually, compared to a full-time counterpart's earnings. This varies significantly among settings; for instance, per-diem positions in retail chains can yield rates between $500 and $800 daily, while those filling in for OD/MD practices command between $700 and $1,200 per day. Residency-trained ocular disease specialists, particularly in hospital systems, see very competitive hourly rates between $90 and $130. It's vital for optometrists to assess the trade-off between higher hourly compensation without benefits and positions that may offer comprehensive health insurance and stability but come with lower pay rates. Knowing local averages and negotiating effectively for hourly pay can lead to better outcomes whether one works in a retail chain like LensCrafters or a private practice setting in Northglenn, CO.
More salary data for Northglenn, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Northglenn 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 Northglenn. 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 Northglenn 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