Optometrist Hourly Pay in Kennesaw, GA: $61.62 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Kennesaw, GA runs $61.62 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $128,165 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Kennesaw's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.1, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $66.19 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $76,904 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kennesaw, Georgia, the optometrist hourly pay is projected to reach $61.62 in 2026, which is slightly below the national hourly median of $67.60. This rate allows for various employment arrangements, including part-time opportunities for those willing to work three days a week in settings such as private optometry practices, retail optical chains, or even academic clinics. For optometrists just starting, hourly rates can begin at approximately $35.99, while more experienced practitioners may command as much as $88.20 an hour. These figures provide a solid foundation for drafting potential earnings aligned with the demands of part-time work and other per-diem arrangements in Kennesaw.
About the Kennesaw 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) | $35.99 | $287.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49.14 | $393.14 |
| Median (P50) | $61.62 | $492.97 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $73.46 | $587.70 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $88.20 | $705.56 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kennesaw
Based on $61.62/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $61.62/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kennesaw, GA can expect to earn approximately $128,173 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $73,946. With a cost-of-living index of 93.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Kennesaw.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kennesaw
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,464.86 | $10,681 | $128,173 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,478.92 | $6,409 | $76,904 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $985.94 | $4,272 | $51,269 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Kennesaw) | $61.62 |
| 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 Kennesaw, GA earn a median of $128,165 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.85% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 4.50% below the Georgia state average of $134,204.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $61.62/hr = $76,904/year (purchasing power: $82,603).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $128,173/year (purchasing power: $137,672).
CoL index: 93.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$50.51/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$59.85/hr
2026 Current Est.
$61.62/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Kennesaw (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50.51/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $51.73/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $54.47/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $55.04/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $57.79/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $55.55/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $59.85/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61.62/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63.45/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Kennesaw grew 18.5% from $50.51/hr (2019) to $59.85/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $63.45/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 Kennesaw 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 Kennesaw
When considering the implications of part-time employment, an optometrist working three days a week for a total of 24 hours earns significantly less over the year compared to their full-time counterparts. These practitioners may expect to take home about $78,000, juxtaposed against full-time earnings of approximately $128,165 annually. For those in per-diem roles, they often charge between $500 to $800 per day at retail optical locations, while positions within OD/MD practices can offer rates ranging from $700 to $1,200 daily, depending on the complexity of the services provided. In Kennesaw, hourly rates notably vary based on the employer type, with private optometric practices typically offering a steadier pay structure, contrasting with the potentially higher per diem rates found in hospital systems and retail chains. Optometrists may find a trade-off between lower hourly rates that include benefits and higher pay without them. Furthermore, when negotiating their compensation, it's prudent for hourly workers to emphasize their unique skills, such as residency training, to advocate for higher rates reflective of their qualifications and the evolving scope of practice.
More salary data for Kennesaw, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Kennesaw in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Kennesaw?
Are optometrists in Kennesaw paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Kennesaw?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Kennesaw?
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 Kennesaw. 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 Kennesaw 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