Optometrist Hourly Pay in Tampa, FL: $68.38 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Tampa, FL runs $68.38 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $142,219 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Tampa's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.9, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $67.77 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $85,333 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Tampa, FL, the optometrist hourly pay is projected to reach a median rate of $68.38 in 2026, which is slightly above the national median of $67.60. This competitive hourly rate can create attractive opportunities for part-time optometrists looking to work three days a week, as well as those in per-diem positions. Typically, these practitioners operate in varied settings like private optometry offices, retail optical chains, and VA outpatient clinics, allowing for flexible schedules and diverse work environments. Entry-level positions may start at approximately $41.41 per hour, while more experienced optometrists can earn top-tier hourly wages around $102.45, reflecting the breadth of experience and specialization available in this field.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41.41 | $331.28 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $61.34 | $490.75 |
| Median (P50) | $68.38 | $547.01 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $81.29 | $650.30 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $102.45 | $819.56 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tampa
Based on $68.38/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $68.38/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tampa, FL can expect to earn approximately $142,222 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $82,051. With a cost-of-living index of 100.89 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Tampa.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tampa
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,735.03 | $11,852 | $142,222 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,641.02 | $7,111 | $85,333 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,094.01 | $4,741 | $56,889 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Tampa) | $68.38 |
| 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 Tampa, FL earn a median of $142,219 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.14% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 12.10% below the Florida state average of $161,796.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $68.38/hr = $85,333/year (purchasing power: $84,580).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $142,222/year (purchasing power: $140,967).
CoL index: 100.89 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$43.64/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$66.41/hr
2026 Current Est.
$68.38/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+61.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Tampa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43.64/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $57.93/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $49.29/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $59.67/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $63.98/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $63.13/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $66.41/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68.38/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70.40/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Tampa grew 52.2% from $43.64/hr (2019) to $66.41/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $70.40/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 Tampa 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 Tampa
Furthermore, the financial dynamics for part-time practitioners in Tampa can be quite compelling. For instance, an optometrist working 24 hours a week could realistically take home approximately $105,000 annually, depending on their hourly rate and choice of practice setting. Per diem optometrists, especially those who fill in at retail chains, can charge between $500 and $800 per day, depending on their experience and specialty. On the other hand, locum tenens optometrists may negotiate rates as high as $90-$130 per hour in hospital systems. The variety in employer types influences hourly rates significantly; for example, private practices may offer lower hourly pay but include benefits, whereas retail and agency work might present higher pay but without health insurance. As optometry's scope of practice expands, especially in areas like glaucoma and oral medications, optometrists in Tampa should strategically consider their options, understanding both the pay structure and benefits to choose a path that aligns with their professional goals. Practical negotiation skills are essential, as hourly roles vary widely based on experience, specialty, and employment type.
More salary data for Tampa, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Tampa. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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