Optometrist Hourly Pay in Key West, FL: $76.64 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Key West, FL runs $76.64 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $159,417 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Key West's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.8, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $76.04 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $95,651 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, optometrists in Key West, Florida, earn a median hourly rate of $76.64, surpassing the national median of $67.60 by 13.37%. This competitive pay provides flexibility for those considering part-time roles, typically working around three days a week, allowing for a comfortable balance between professional responsibilities and personal time. Entry-level optometrists may start at around $44.46 per hour, while seasoned practitioners can reach up to $106.97 hourly. The projected rates are influenced by various settings, such as private optometry practices, retail optical chains, and university clinics, reflecting Key West’s unique blend of tourism and healthcare needs.
About the Key West 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) | $44.46 | $355.67 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $61.11 | $488.85 |
| Median (P50) | $76.64 | $613.15 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $91.37 | $730.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $106.97 | $855.72 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Key West
Based on $76.64/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $76.64/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Key West, FL can expect to earn approximately $159,418 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $91,972. With a cost-of-living index of 100.80 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Key West.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Key West
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,065.74 | $13,285 | $159,418 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,839.44 | $7,971 | $95,651 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,226.29 | $5,314 | $63,767 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Key West) | $76.64 |
| 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 Key West, FL earn a median of $159,417 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.37% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 1.50% below the Florida state average of $161,845.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $76.64/hr = $95,651/year (purchasing power: $94,892).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $159,418/year (purchasing power: $158,153).
CoL index: 100.8 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$62.82/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$74.44/hr
2026 Current Est.
$76.64/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Key West (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62.82/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $64.35/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $67.75/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $68.46/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $71.87/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $62.08/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $74.44/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76.64/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78.91/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Key West grew 18.5% from $62.82/hr (2019) to $74.44/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $78.91/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 Key West 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 Key West
When analyzing the part-time earning potential, an optometrist working three days per week for 24 hours would take home about $99,556 annually, which can differ significantly when compared to a full-time schedule. Per diem optometrists in Key West may command rates ranging from $500 to $1,200 per day, appealing to those seeking flexibility through 1099 arrangements. The type of employer affects hourly rates; private practices may offer lower rates but often come with benefits, while retail chains might provide higher hourly wages without benefits. Negotiation skills are essential in this environment; optometrists should weigh the pros and cons of health insurance against higher hourly rates, taking into consideration the evolving scope of practice that includes glaucoma management and the impact of residency training on compensation. Understanding local hiring trends will provide an advantage in securing ideal terms.
More salary data for Key West, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Key West in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Key West?
Are optometrists in Key West paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Key West?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Key West?
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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 Key West. 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 Key West 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