Optometrist Hourly Pay in Macon, GA: $63.65 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Macon, GA runs $63.65 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $132,397 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Macon's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.1, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $68.37 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $79,435 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Optometrists in Macon, Georgia, earn a median hourly rate of $63.65, which is slightly lower than the national median hourly pay of $67.60. This discrepancy highlights the local market conditions affecting eye care professionals in the area. For those considering part-time work, such as a 3-day workweek, this rate translates to a stable income that can be appealing for balancing other commitments. Per-diem optometrists, who typically work on short-term contracts, may also find lucrative opportunities in Macon's various settings, including private practices, retail optical chains, and outpatient facilities, with hourly rates ranging from $36.92 for entry-level positions to $94.80 for top earners. It's important to note that these figures are derived from estimated annual salary data, reflecting the potential for growth and opportunity in the optometry field.
About the Macon 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) | $36.92 | $295.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.30 | $402.37 |
| Median (P50) | $63.65 | $509.20 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $77.22 | $617.76 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $94.80 | $758.36 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Macon
Based on $63.65/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $63.65/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Macon, GA can expect to earn approximately $132,392 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $76,380. With a cost-of-living index of 93.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Macon.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Macon
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,545.99 | $11,033 | $132,392 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,527.60 | $6,620 | $79,435 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,018.40 | $4,413 | $52,957 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Macon) | $63.65 |
| 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 Macon, GA earn a median of $132,397 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.84% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 1.40% below the Georgia state average of $134,277.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $63.65/hr = $79,435/year (purchasing power: $85,322).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $132,392/year (purchasing power: $142,204).
CoL index: 93.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$52.17/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$61.82/hr
2026 Current Est.
$63.65/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Macon (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52.17/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $53.44/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $60.02/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $56.85/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $59.69/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $57.38/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $61.82/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63.65/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65.53/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Macon grew 18.5% from $52.17/hr (2019) to $61.82/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $65.53/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 Macon 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 Macon
Engaging in part-time work can allow an optometrist to retain flexibility while still earning a substantial income, with a 3-day work schedule resulting in an annual take-home amount significantly lower than full-time counterparts. Per diem opportunities offer varied pay structures, where fill-in optometrists can bill upwards of $500 to $800 per day in retail settings, and $700 to $1,200 daily in OD/MD practices. Certain positions held by residency-trained ocular disease specialists at hospital systems might command hourly rates ranging from $90 to $130. However, the type of employer plays a critical role in affecting hourly earnings; private practices and retail chains often offer different compensation structures and benefits. In some cases, optometrists may opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for health coverage and job security, whereas others embrace higher hourly wages without benefits, particularly in a just-in-time staffing model. Thoughtful negotiation and understanding of personal career objectives are key for success when considering the optometrist hourly pay in Macon, GA.
More salary data for Macon, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Macon in 2026?
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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 Macon. 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 Macon 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