Optometrist Hourly Pay in Miami Gardens, FL: $76.92 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Miami Gardens, FL runs $76.92 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $159,991 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Miami Gardens's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.8, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $76.31 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $95,998 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Miami Gardens, the optometrist hourly pay is projected to be $76.92 in 2026, which stands above the national hourly median of $67.60. This premium pay reflects the city's unique healthcare environment and cost of living index, which is slightly above the national average. For those working part-time, such as in typical settings including private optometry practices and retail chains, this hourly wage translates to significant earnings; for instance, a three-day workweek could yield about $94,000 annually. The hourly pay range for optometrists in the area spans from $44.61 at the entry-level (P10) to $117.83 for highly experienced professionals (P90), providing opportunities across various practice settings including VA outpatient clinics and university teaching environments.
About the Miami Gardens 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) | $44.61 | $356.90 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $61.02 | $488.20 |
| Median (P50) | $76.92 | $615.37 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $95.26 | $762.07 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $117.83 | $942.62 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Miami Gardens
Based on $76.92/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $76.92/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Miami Gardens, FL can expect to earn approximately $159,997 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $92,306. With a cost-of-living index of 100.80 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Miami Gardens.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Miami Gardens
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,076.86 | $13,333 | $159,997 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,846.11 | $8,000 | $95,998 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,230.74 | $5,333 | $63,999 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Miami Gardens) | $76.92 |
| 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 Miami Gardens, FL earn a median of $159,991 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.78% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 1.10% below the Florida state average of $161,770.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $76.92/hr = $95,998/year (purchasing power: $95,236).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $159,997/year (purchasing power: $158,727).
CoL index: 100.8 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$63.05/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$74.71/hr
2026 Current Est.
$76.92/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Miami Gardens (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63.05/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $64.58/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $68.00/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $68.70/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $72.13/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $62.30/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $74.71/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76.92/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $79.20/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Miami Gardens grew 18.5% from $63.05/hr (2019) to $74.71/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $79.20/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 Miami Gardens 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 Miami Gardens
Looking closer at the financial dynamics for optometrists in Miami Gardens reveals compelling insights for both part-time and per-diem opportunities. For a three-day-a-week optometrist clocking in at 24 hours, potential earnings would reach approximately $73,600 annually compared to the full-time income of over $159,991, highlighting a notable disparity in long-term income. Many per diem optometrists in Miami Gardens earn a substantial daily rate, frequently billing between $500 and $800 at retail chains or up to $1,200 at OD/MD practices. Additionally, residency-trained optometrists in ocular disease are seeing rates around $90 to $130 hourly, further amplifying the earning potential within specialized settings. However, a notable consideration for many in the field is the trade-off between higher hourly rates and the benefits that come with full-time employment, such as health insurance. For those seeking to negotiate their pay, understanding the different compensation structures among various employers—ranging from retail optical chains to private practices—can empower optometrists to make informed decisions tailored to their financial goals and career aspirations in Miami Gardens, FL.
More salary data for Miami Gardens, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Miami Gardens in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Miami Gardens?
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How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Miami Gardens?
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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 Miami Gardens. 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 Miami Gardens 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