Optometrist Hourly Pay in Estero, FL: $76.06 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Estero, FL runs $76.06 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $158,199 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Estero's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.8, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $75.45 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $94,919 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Estero, FL, the optometrist hourly pay is projected to reach $76.06 in 2026, which is significantly higher than the national hourly median of $67.60. This competitive rate is especially beneficial for those seeking part-time work or per-diem positions. For instance, an optometrist working three days a week could earn approximately $58,600 annually, while those in per-diem roles may find themselves earning $500 to $1,200 per day, depending on the practice setting, whether it be in retail optical chains or private practices. The hourly wage in Estero ranges from $44.12 for entry-level optometrists to around $112.19 for top-tier professionals, illustrating the financial potential in this field. These hourly estimates are derived from annual salary figures, showcasing the opportunities available for both new graduates and seasoned practitioners.
About the Estero 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) | $44.12 | $352.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $59.92 | $479.38 |
| Median (P50) | $76.06 | $608.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $88.38 | $707.05 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $112.19 | $897.48 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Estero
Based on $76.06/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $76.06/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Estero, FL can expect to earn approximately $158,198 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $91,268. With a cost-of-living index of 100.80 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Estero.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Estero
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,042.26 | $13,183 | $158,198 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,825.36 | $7,910 | $94,919 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,216.90 | $5,273 | $63,279 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Estero) | $76.06 |
| 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 Estero, FL earn a median of $158,199 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.51% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 2.20% below the Florida state average of $161,758.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $76.06/hr = $94,919/year (purchasing power: $94,165).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $158,198/year (purchasing power: $156,942).
CoL index: 100.8 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$62.34/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$73.87/hr
2026 Current Est.
$76.06/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Estero (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62.34/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $63.85/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $67.23/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $67.93/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $71.32/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $61.60/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $73.87/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76.06/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78.31/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Estero grew 18.5% from $62.34/hr (2019) to $73.87/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $78.31/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 Estero 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 Estero
When considering part-time employment, an optometrist who works 24 hours a week can still bring in a respectable income, which is quite appealing in Estero's job market. For fill-in roles, optometrists often charge varying rates, generally ranging from $90 to $130 per hour for specialty services in hospital systems or $700 to $1,200 for daily contracts in OD/MD practices. Variability in pay also stems from the type of employment, as solo practices might offer lower hourly rates compared to larger retail chains or healthcare systems that provide health insurance and benefits. Many optometrists navigating the trade-off between lower hourly rates with benefits versus higher pay without may find negotiating is key; possessing knowledge of local pay standards and being aware of the increasing demand for optical care can support effective discussions. Understanding the nuances of optometrist hourly rates in Estero helps in making informed career choices in this evolving profession.
More salary data for Estero, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Estero 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 Estero. 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 Estero 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