Optometrist Hourly Pay in Fort Myers, FL: $80.76 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Fort Myers, FL runs $80.76 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $167,978 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Fort Myers's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.8, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $80.12 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $100,791 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fort Myers, Florida, the optometrist hourly pay stands at a median of $80.76, significantly above the national median of $67.60. This favorable hourly rate suggests that optometrists in the area can enjoy substantial income, particularly if they consider part-time roles, such as working three days a week. For instance, a part-time optometrist can take home a commendable income while maintaining a flexible schedule. The hourly pay ranges from $46.84 for entry-level positions to $123.33 for those at the top of the pay scale. This range reflects the varied settings in which optometrists may work, including private practices, retail optical chains, and outpatient clinics, indicating that both full-time and per-diem optometrist roles offer excellent earning potential in Fort Myers.
About the Fort Myers 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) | $46.84 | $374.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $65.93 | $527.40 |
| Median (P50) | $80.76 | $646.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $95.41 | $763.30 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $123.33 | $986.60 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fort Myers
Based on $80.76/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $80.76/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fort Myers, FL can expect to earn approximately $167,985 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $96,914. With a cost-of-living index of 100.80 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Fort Myers.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fort Myers
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,230.47 | $13,999 | $167,985 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,938.28 | $8,399 | $100,791 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,292.19 | $5,599 | $67,194 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Fort Myers) | $80.76 |
| 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 Fort Myers, FL earn a median of $167,978 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.46% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 3.80% above the Florida state average of $161,829.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $80.76/hr = $100,791/year (purchasing power: $99,991).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $167,985/year (purchasing power: $166,651).
CoL index: 100.8 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$66.19/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$78.44/hr
2026 Current Est.
$80.76/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Fort Myers (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $66.19/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $67.80/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $71.39/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $72.13/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $75.73/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $62.99/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $78.44/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80.76/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $83.15/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Fort Myers grew 18.5% from $66.19/hr (2019) to $78.44/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $83.15/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 Fort Myers 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 Fort Myers
The prospect of earning as a part-time optometrist in Fort Myers can be quite appealing. Working roughly 24 hours a week, a part-time optometrist could earn around $62,322 annually, a substantial figure when compared to a full-time optometrist's salary. For those opting for per diem work, the landscape offers even higher earning possibilities, with daily rates varying significantly based on location and practice type. For example, per diem optometrists in retail settings may bill $500-$800 daily, while those filling in at OD/MD practices could see rates between $700 and $1,200. This variability means optometrists can frequently choose between higher hourly pay without benefits versus a slightly lower rate that includes health insurance. In negotiating hourly contracts in Fort Myers, it's essential to emphasize skill level and any residency training, as these factors can justify higher compensation in a competitive market.
More salary data for Fort Myers, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Fort Myers in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Fort Myers?
Are optometrists in Fort Myers paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Fort Myers?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Fort Myers?
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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 Fort Myers. 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 Fort Myers 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