Optometrist Hourly Pay in Melbourne, FL: $70.40 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Melbourne, FL runs $70.40 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $146,449 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Melbourne's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.8, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $69.85 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $87,864 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Melbourne, the optometrist hourly pay is projected to be $70.40 in 2026, which is notably above the national hourly median of $67.60. This competitive rate offers attractive options for both part-time and per-diem optometrists working in various settings, such as private examination rooms, retail optical chains, or outpatient clinics. Part-time professionals working three days a week can benefit significantly, especially given the hourly range of $40.83 to $102.32, allowing for flexibility while still providing a solid income. These estimates are drawn from annual salary data, reflecting the potential earnings for optometrists at all experience levels in the Melbourne area, with the higher end of the spectrum typically reserved for those with extensive experience or specialized training.
About the Melbourne 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) | $40.83 | $326.67 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55.91 | $447.26 |
| Median (P50) | $70.40 | $563.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $84.29 | $674.35 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $102.32 | $818.57 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Melbourne
Based on $70.40/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $70.40/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Melbourne, FL can expect to earn approximately $146,440 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $84,485. With a cost-of-living index of 100.80 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Melbourne.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Melbourne
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,816.16 | $12,203 | $146,440 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,689.70 | $7,322 | $87,864 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,126.46 | $4,881 | $58,576 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Melbourne) | $70.40 |
| 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 Melbourne, FL earn a median of $146,449 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.15% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 9.50% below the Florida state average of $161,822.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $70.40/hr = $87,864/year (purchasing power: $87,167).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $146,440/year (purchasing power: $145,278).
CoL index: 100.8 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$57.71/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$68.38/hr
2026 Current Est.
$70.40/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Melbourne (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57.71/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $59.11/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $62.24/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $62.88/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $66.02/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $63.81/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $68.38/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70.40/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72.49/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Melbourne grew 18.5% from $57.71/hr (2019) to $68.38/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $72.49/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 Melbourne 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 Melbourne
For those considering part-time opportunities, working just three days a week as an optometrist in Melbourne can yield significant annual earnings despite not working full-time hours. Per-diem optometrists often capitalize on higher daily rates, charging between $500 and $800 in retail environments and up to $1,200 while working in ophthalmology practices. Given the various employer types in the area, from group practices to chain optical retailers like LensCrafters, hourly compensation can fluctuate widely. Many optometrists must weigh the benefits of traditional employment with guaranteed health insurance against potentially higher hourly rates in contract or per diem roles without benefits. Negotiation can be critical; professionals should assess their value based on their qualifications and regional demand, especially with the expanding scope of practice that allows for increased service offerings in our field. Seeking positions aligned with one's career goals and lifestyle preferences is essential for maximizing both professional satisfaction and earnings in the optometry field.
More salary data for Melbourne, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Melbourne in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Melbourne?
Are optometrists in Melbourne paid hourly or salary?
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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 Melbourne. 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 Melbourne 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