Optometrist Hourly Pay in Westminster, CO: $71.38 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Westminster, CO runs $71.38 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $148,470 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Westminster's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $67.98 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $89,085 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Optometrists in Westminster, Colorado can expect a median hourly pay of $71.38 in 2026, which is notably higher than the national median of $67.60. This elevated hourly rate reflects not only the demand for eye care specialists in the area but also the competitive nature of the industry within Colorado. For part-time practitioners working three days a week, earning this rate translates into significant take-home pay. Typically, optometrists might spend their hours in various settings such as private practices, retail optical chains, or university clinics. The hourly rate can vary significantly, starting from about $41.40 for entry-level positions to $109.10 for more experienced professionals. These estimates are derived from annual salary data but focus specifically on the hourly wage structure, which is crucial for those considering part-time or per-diem work in the field.
About the Westminster 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) | $41.40 | $331.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $56.48 | $451.87 |
| Median (P50) | $71.38 | $571.06 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $88.26 | $706.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $109.10 | $872.77 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Westminster
Based on $71.38/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $71.38/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Westminster, CO can expect to earn approximately $148,475 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $85,659. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Westminster.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Westminster
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,855.29 | $12,373 | $148,475 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,713.17 | $7,424 | $89,085 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,142.11 | $4,949 | $59,390 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Westminster) | $71.38 |
| 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 Westminster, CO earn a median of $148,470 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.59% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 0.60% above the Colorado state average of $147,585.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $71.38/hr = $89,085/year (purchasing power: $84,843).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $148,475/year (purchasing power: $141,405).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$58.51/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$69.33/hr
2026 Current Est.
$71.38/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Westminster (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58.51/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $59.93/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $63.10/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $63.76/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $66.94/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $71.07/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $69.33/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71.38/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73.50/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Westminster grew 18.5% from $58.51/hr (2019) to $69.33/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $73.50/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 Westminster 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 Westminster
For part-time optometrists in Westminster, working a 24-hour week can yield an annual income that remains competitive, yet different from full-time colleagues. Many optometrists in per-diem roles can charge between $500-$800 per day at retail locations, while those filling in at OD/MD practices may earn between $700-$1,200 daily. Moreover, residency-trained ocular disease specialists find themselves commanding rates of $90-$130 hourly at hospital systems. Hourly earnings in Westminster can also fluctuate based on the employer type—private optometry practices may provide lower rates than retail chains like LensCrafters but often include benefits that offset that difference. The trade-off between higher hourly pay without benefits versus a lower rate with health insurance is a common consideration among optometrists. When negotiating hourly pay, it's important to evaluate both the immediate compensation and long-term benefits, especially given the growing landscape of optometry and expanded scope of practice opportunities in Colorado.
More salary data for Westminster, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Westminster in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Westminster?
Are optometrists in Westminster paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Westminster?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Westminster?
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 Westminster. 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 Westminster 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