Optometrist Hourly Pay in Parker, CO: $70.36 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Parker, CO runs $70.36 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $146,348 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Parker's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $67.01 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $87,813 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Parker, Colorado, optometrists can expect an hourly median rate of $70.36, which not only reflects a competitive local market but also surpasses the national median of $67.60. This advantageous pay scale is particularly beneficial for part-time practitioners who might work three days a week, allowing them to earn a substantial hourly rate while enjoying flexible schedules. For those considering per-diem work in diverse settings like private optometry offices, retail optical chains, or hospital environments, the hourly range is especially relevant—all the way from $40.81 for entry-level positions to $106.21 for top earners. This flexibility in working hours and locations enables optometrists to maximize their earnings while tailoring their work-life balance to their personal needs.
About the Parker 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) | $40.81 | $326.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $56.70 | $453.60 |
| Median (P50) | $70.36 | $562.90 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $86.61 | $692.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $106.21 | $849.71 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Parker
Based on $70.36/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $70.36/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Parker, CO can expect to earn approximately $146,355 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $84,435. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Parker.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Parker
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,814.51 | $12,196 | $146,355 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,688.71 | $7,318 | $87,813 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,125.81 | $4,878 | $58,542 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Parker) | $70.36 |
| 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 Parker, CO earn a median of $146,348 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.08% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 0.90% below the Colorado state average of $147,677.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $70.36/hr = $87,813/year (purchasing power: $83,631).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $146,355/year (purchasing power: $139,385).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$57.67/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$68.34/hr
2026 Current Est.
$70.36/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Parker (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57.67/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $59.07/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $62.20/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $62.85/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $65.98/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $70.05/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $68.34/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70.36/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72.45/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Parker grew 18.5% from $57.67/hr (2019) to $68.34/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $72.45/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 Parker 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 Parker
The earning potential varies significantly based on work arrangements and employer types in Parker. A part-time optometrist working 24 hours a week could bring home a solid income, but could earn less over the year compared to full-time counterparts. For example, per diem optometrists often command daily rates ranging from $500 to $1,200, depending on the retail chain or practice type, which can result in a lucrative hourly income especially for those willing to work on a contract basis. Employment settings—whether in private practices, retail chains like Visionworks or Walmart Vision, or at VA outpatient clinics—carry different levels of benefit and compensation trade-offs. Some professionals may accept positions with lower hourly rates for the stability of health insurance benefits. Additionally, effective negotiation is key for hourly workers, especially in Parker, where understanding the market trends and articulating value can help secure better pay or benefits packages.
More salary data for Parker, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Parker in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Parker?
Are optometrists in Parker paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Parker?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Parker?
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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 Parker. 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 Parker 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