Optometrist Hourly Pay in Sanford, FL: $80.80 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Sanford, FL runs $80.80 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $168,079 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Sanford's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.8, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $80.16 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $100,842 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Sanford, Florida, the optometrist hourly pay stands at a median rate of $80.80, significantly higher than the national median of $67.60. This hourly wage allows for a comfortable living, especially for part-time optometrists working three days a week, providing flexibility in scheduling. In typical workplaces, such as retail optical locations, private practices, and VA clinics, entry-level optometrists can expect to earn around $46.87, while top earners may make as much as $116.89 per hour. These estimates, based on projected data derived from annual salary figures, reflect the growing demand for optometrists in Sanford and the surrounding areas, making this profession an appealing option for those entering the field.
About the Sanford 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) | $46.87 | $374.94 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $63.84 | $510.68 |
| Median (P50) | $80.80 | $646.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $96.41 | $771.29 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $116.89 | $935.12 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Sanford
Based on $80.80/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $80.80/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Sanford, FL can expect to earn approximately $168,070 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $96,964. With a cost-of-living index of 100.80 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Sanford.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Sanford
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,232.12 | $14,006 | $168,070 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,939.27 | $8,404 | $100,842 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,292.85 | $5,602 | $67,228 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Sanford) | $80.80 |
| 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 Sanford, FL earn a median of $168,079 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.53% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 3.90% above the Florida state average of $161,770.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $80.80/hr = $100,842/year (purchasing power: $100,042).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $168,070/year (purchasing power: $166,736).
CoL index: 100.8 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$66.23/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$78.48/hr
2026 Current Est.
$80.80/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Sanford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $66.23/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $67.84/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $71.43/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $72.17/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $75.77/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $63.60/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $78.48/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80.80/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $83.19/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Sanford grew 18.5% from $66.23/hr (2019) to $78.48/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $83.19/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 Sanford 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 Sanford
For those considering part-time opportunities, an optometrist working 24 hours per week in Sanford could potentially take home around $88,950 annually, a substantial income for reduced hours compared to a full-time role. Per diem optometrists are increasingly common, earning between $500 and $800 daily at retail chains and significantly more at ophthalmology practices, anywhere from $700 to $1,200. The variability in hourly pay across employer types in Sanford is considerable; solo and group private practices may offer lower rates compared to retail chains or hospitals, where optometrists are compensated more competitively. Moreover, the decision to accept lower hourly rates often comes down to benefits like health insurance. Therefore, when negotiating contracts, it’s crucial for hourly workers to weigh overall compensation against benefits, while also staying informed of the shifting landscape of optometry employment in Sanford, where expanding scopes of practice, including glaucoma management and laser procedures, may influence pay rates in the years to come.
More salary data for Sanford, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Sanford in 2026?
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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 Sanford. 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 Sanford 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