Optometrist Hourly Pay in Savannah, GA: $78.87 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Savannah, GA runs $78.87 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $164,046 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Savannah's regional price level (BEA RPP 95.2, 5% below national), each hour of work buys what $82.84 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $98,426 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Savannah, Georgia, the optometrist hourly pay stands at a median rate of $78.87, considerably higher than the national median of $67.60. This competitive rate enhances the attractiveness of part-time work opportunities for optometrists, especially for those looking to work three days a week in settings like private optometry practices, retail chains, or outpatient clinics. Entry-level optometrists can expect to earn around $45.41 per hour, while experienced professionals may see their hourly pay reach up to $111.02, illustrating the diversity of earning potential within the profession. With its strategic emphasis on accommodating various work arrangements, including per-diem positions, Savannah provides a robust framework for optometrists to achieve a flexible work-life balance while earning competitive hourly wages.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45.41 | $363.24 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $63.60 | $508.79 |
| Median (P50) | $78.87 | $630.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $88.20 | $705.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $111.02 | $888.17 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Savannah
Based on $78.87/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $78.87/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Savannah, GA can expect to earn approximately $164,044 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $94,641. With a cost-of-living index of 95.21 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Savannah.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Savannah
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,154.69 | $13,670 | $164,044 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,892.82 | $8,202 | $98,426 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,261.88 | $5,468 | $65,618 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Savannah) | $78.87 |
| 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 Savannah, GA earn a median of $164,046 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.67% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 22.20% above the Georgia state average of $134,244.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $78.87/hr = $98,426/year (purchasing power: $103,383).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $164,044/year (purchasing power: $172,304).
CoL index: 95.206 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$60.46/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$76.60/hr
2026 Current Est.
$78.87/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Savannah (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60.46/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $66.21/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $69.72/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $61.08/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $58.44/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $60.06/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $76.60/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78.87/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81.20/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Savannah grew 26.7% from $60.46/hr (2019) to $76.60/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $81.20/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 Savannah 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 Savannah
Exploring the part-time earnings for optometrists working 24 hours a week reveals a significant income potential, translating to roughly $57,222 annually, compared to a full-time salary. Per diem optometrists in Savannah often command rates that reflect their specialized skills and flexibility—ranging from approximately $500 to $1,200 per day, depending on the practice model and the demands involved. Noteworthy is the variation in hourly rates among different employer types; optometrists in private practices often earn differently than those in retail optical chains or hospital systems, with benefits often dictating the willingness to accept lower hourly rates. This dynamic epitomizes the trade-offs practitioners face; while some optometrists prioritize health insurance and job stability, others favor higher pay rates without benefits. Those entering the field should understand the market trends and negotiate wisely, leveraging their experience, especially if they have completed residency training or obtained expanded practice licenses.
More salary data for Savannah, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Savannah. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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