Optometrist Hourly Pay in West Palm Beach, FL: $63.54 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in West Palm Beach, FL runs $63.54 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $132,156 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against West Palm Beach's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.8, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $63.03 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $79,294 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In West Palm Beach, FL, the optometrist hourly pay stands at a median of $63.54, which is notably lower than the national median of $67.60. For practitioners opting for part-time work, such as those who might practice three days a week, this translates to a solid hourly rate that is competitive yet reflects the unique economic landscape of the area. Those engaged in per-diem work find themselves earning between $500 and $1,200 per day, depending on the setting, whether it be a retail optical chain or an OD/MD practice. With an hourly range spanning from $36.85 for entry-level positions to $96.27 for seasoned professionals, there is considerable opportunity for growth in one's career—especially for those who have pursued residency training. These figures are derived from annual salaries and showcase the diverse settings where optometrists can work, such as private exam rooms, retail optical chains, and VA clinics.
About the West Palm Beach 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) | $36.85 | $294.80 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49.90 | $399.24 |
| Median (P50) | $63.54 | $508.29 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78.21 | $625.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $96.27 | $770.14 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in West Palm Beach
Based on $63.54/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $63.54/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in West Palm Beach, FL can expect to earn approximately $132,156 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $76,244. With a cost-of-living index of 100.80 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in West Palm Beach.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in West Palm Beach
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,541.46 | $11,013 | $132,156 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,524.88 | $6,608 | $79,294 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,016.59 | $4,405 | $52,862 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (West Palm Beach) | $63.54 |
| 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 West Palm Beach, FL earn a median of $132,156 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.01% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 18.30% below the Florida state average of $161,758.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $63.54/hr = $79,294/year (purchasing power: $78,664).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $132,156/year (purchasing power: $131,107).
CoL index: 100.8 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$52.08/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$61.71/hr
2026 Current Est.
$63.54/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in West Palm Beach (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52.08/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $53.34/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $56.17/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $56.75/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $59.58/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $65.06/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $61.71/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63.54/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65.42/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in West Palm Beach grew 18.5% from $52.08/hr (2019) to $61.71/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $65.42/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 West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach
The financial reality for part-time optometrists is quite distinct compared to their full-time counterparts. For instance, an optometrist working three days a week at an hourly rate could expect to take home a substantial income over the course of the year, even if not as much as those practicing full-time. The per diem optometrist pay in West Palm Beach can vary extensively, often making it an attractive option for those who seek flexibility in their work-life balance. Notably, locum tenens opportunities in this city can be lucrative, with residency-trained ocular disease specialists fetching between $90 and $130 an hour. Moreover, various employer types affect pay significantly; those working in private practices may earn less than their counterparts in ophthalmology clinics or major retail chains. Optometrists often face a decision between slightly lower hourly rates paired with health insurance benefits and higher pay without traditional benefits. Those in the profession are advised to negotiate based on their level of experience, the specific demands of the role, and the current trends within West Palm Beach's eye care sector.
More salary data for West Palm Beach, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in West Palm Beach in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in West Palm Beach?
Are optometrists in West Palm Beach paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in West Palm Beach?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in West Palm Beach?
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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 West Palm Beach. 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 West Palm Beach 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