Optometrist Hourly Pay in Dalton, GA: $62.29 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Dalton, GA runs $62.29 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $129,571 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Dalton's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.1, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $66.91 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $77,739 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, optometrists in Dalton, GA earn a median hourly rate of $62.29, which is approximately 7.85% lower than the national average of $67.60. This hourly wage is reflective of the job's setting, with opportunities available in private optometry practices, retail optical chains, and even VA outpatient clinics. For those opting for part-time work, such as a schedule of three days a week, earnings can be significant but will markedly differ from full-time positions. Entry-level optometrists in Dalton may start at around $37.50 per hour, while those at the top end of the pay scale can reach $86.63 per hour. It’s essential for both new graduates and seasoned professionals to understand the potential for negotiation based on their work environment and the prevailing rates in the area.
About the Dalton 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) | $37.50 | $299.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.88 | $415.05 |
| Median (P50) | $62.29 | $498.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $72.73 | $581.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $86.63 | $693.04 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Dalton
Based on $62.29/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $62.29/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Dalton, GA can expect to earn approximately $129,565 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $74,749. With a cost-of-living index of 93.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Dalton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Dalton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,491.63 | $10,797 | $129,565 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,494.98 | $6,478 | $77,739 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $996.65 | $4,319 | $51,826 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Dalton) | $62.29 |
| 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 Dalton, GA earn a median of $129,571 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.85% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 3.50% below the Georgia state average of $134,271.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $62.29/hr = $77,739/year (purchasing power: $83,500).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $129,565/year (purchasing power: $139,167).
CoL index: 93.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$51.06/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$60.50/hr
2026 Current Est.
$62.29/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Dalton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51.06/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $52.30/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $55.06/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $55.64/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $58.41/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $56.16/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $60.50/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62.29/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64.13/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Dalton grew 18.5% from $51.06/hr (2019) to $60.50/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $64.13/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 Dalton 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 Dalton
Part-time optometrists who work around 24 hours a week can anticipate annual earnings substantially different from their full-time counterparts, particularly in varying roles such as per diem or agency work. For instance, per diem optometrists can command daily rates ranging from $500 to $800 at retail chains like LensCrafters and upwards of $1,200 for fill-in positions within specialized OD/MD practices. Factors such as type of practice, whether it is a solo or group optometry setup, or a retail optical chain can cause significant fluctuations in hourly pay. Optometrists with health insurance benefits might accept lower hourly rates due to job security, while those choosing self-employment opportunities for potentially higher pay may lack essential benefits. In negotiating terms, it's crucial for optometrists in Dalton to consider their overall compensation package, including benefits versus pure hourly earnings, which can profoundly affect their financial stability and job satisfaction.
More salary data for Dalton, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Dalton in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Dalton?
Are optometrists in Dalton paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Dalton?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Dalton?
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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 Dalton. 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 Dalton 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