Optometrist Hourly Pay in Dunedin, FL: $74.55 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Dunedin, FL runs $74.55 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $155,061 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Dunedin's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.8, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $73.96 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $93,043 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Dunedin, the optometrist hourly pay averages $74.55, surpassing the national median of $67.60. This competitive rate allows for a comfortable lifestyle, especially for those working part-time in various settings like private optometry exam rooms, retail optical chains, and hospital outpatient clinics. For instance, a part-time optometrist working three days a week can effectively cater to the needs of the community while enjoying a flexible schedule. The hourly compensation spans a range from $43.71 for entry-level positions to $107.25 for top earners, indicative of a rewarding career path in this coastal Florida city. Such figures suggest a healthy job market for the profession, with established practitioners benefitting from their years of experience and specialization in areas such as ocular disease and advanced imaging.
About the Dunedin Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($130,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $43.71 | $349.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $61.46 | $491.65 |
| Median (P50) | $74.55 | $596.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $89.21 | $713.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $107.25 | $858.03 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Dunedin
Based on $74.55/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $74.55/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Dunedin, FL can expect to earn approximately $155,071 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $89,464. With a cost-of-living index of 100.80 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Dunedin.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Dunedin
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,982.13 | $12,923 | $155,071 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,789.28 | $7,754 | $93,043 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,192.85 | $5,169 | $62,028 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Dunedin) | $74.55 |
| 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 Dunedin, FL earn a median of $155,061 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.28% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 4.20% below the Florida state average of $161,859.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $74.55/hr = $93,043/year (purchasing power: $92,304).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $155,071/year (purchasing power: $153,840).
CoL index: 100.8 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$61.11/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$72.41/hr
2026 Current Est.
$74.55/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Dunedin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61.11/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $62.59/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $65.90/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $66.59/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $69.91/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $60.38/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $72.41/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $74.55/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $76.76/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Dunedin grew 18.5% from $61.11/hr (2019) to $72.41/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $76.76/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 Dunedin 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 Dunedin
Evaluating the earning potential for part-time optometrists reveals an interesting picture. A professional working in Dunedin for just three days a week, totaling 24 hours, can take home a significant annual income compared to their full-time counterparts. Per-diem optometrist pay in the area can vary significantly, with daily rates from $500 to $800 at retail chains, and even higher amounts for specialized roles in OD/MD practices and hospital systems, which may pay $700 to $1,200 daily. The employment landscape in Dunedin reflects different rates depending on employer types, whether in independent practices, large retail chains, or within health systems. While some optometrists opt for slightly lower hourly pay in exchange for health benefits, others pursue higher pay without benefits, often negotiating their rates based on their residency training or specialized skills. As practitioners consider their options, understanding local market dynamics and effective negotiation strategies can be vital for securing favorable terms in this evolving field.
More salary data for Dunedin, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Dunedin in 2026?
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Related Pages
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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 Dunedin. 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 Dunedin 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