Optometrist Hourly Pay in Athens, GA: $66.45 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Athens, GA runs $66.45 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $138,223 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Athens's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.1, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $71.38 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $82,930 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Athens, Georgia, optometrists earn a median hourly rate of $66.45, which is slightly below the national median of $67.60. This hourly rate provides flexibility for those in the field, especially for part-time optometrists working approximately three days a week. Such part-time roles can be appealing in various settings, including private practices, retail optical chains, and outpatient clinics. Those entering the profession can expect to start at around $38.54 per hour, while experienced practitioners can command up to $100.48, reflecting the diverse earning potential available based on experience and practice type. This data, drawn from estimates based on 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, highlights how hourly pay fluctuates within Athens’s optometry landscape, providing key insights for current students and practicing ODs alike.
About the Athens Market
Salary estimated from Georgia average ($130,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.54 | $308.30 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.95 | $415.63 |
| Median (P50) | $66.45 | $531.60 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $81.52 | $652.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $100.48 | $803.83 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Athens
Based on $66.45/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $66.45/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Athens, GA can expect to earn approximately $138,217 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $79,740. With a cost-of-living index of 93.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Athens.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Athens
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,658.02 | $11,518 | $138,217 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,594.81 | $6,911 | $82,930 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,063.21 | $4,607 | $55,287 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Athens) | $66.45 |
| 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 Athens, GA earn a median of $138,223 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.70% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 3.00% above the Georgia state average of $134,197.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $66.45/hr = $82,930/year (purchasing power: $89,076).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $138,217/year (purchasing power: $148,461).
CoL index: 93.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$54.46/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$64.54/hr
2026 Current Est.
$66.45/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Athens (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54.46/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $55.79/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $60.58/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $59.35/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $62.31/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $59.91/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $64.54/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66.45/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68.42/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Athens grew 18.5% from $54.46/hr (2019) to $64.54/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $68.42/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 Athens 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 Athens
Evaluating the earning potential for part-time optometrists reveals interesting dynamics in Athens. An optometrist working three days a week (24 hours) would earn around $64,705 annually, which demonstrates the financial viability of part-time practice against the full-time average. Per diem positions are also accessible, with compensation ranging from $500 to $1,200 per day depending on the work setting and specialization. For instance, residency-trained ocular disease ODs working in hospital systems often earn between $90 and $130 per hour as independent contractors. Hourly pay varies significantly across employer types, with retail chains typically offering lower rates compared to private practices or ophthalmology groups. Optometrists must navigate benefits versus pay; while some may accept lower rates for health insurance, others may prefer higher hourly rates without these benefits. To optimize their pay, practitioners are encouraged to assess local market conditions and negotiate effectively based on their qualifications and clinical experiences.
More salary data for Athens, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Athens in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Athens?
Are optometrists in Athens paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Athens?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Athens?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Georgia
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 Athens. 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 Athens 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