Optometrist Hourly Pay in Hilo, HI: $76.53 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Hilo, HI runs $76.53 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $159,184 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Hilo's regional price level (BEA RPP 119.3, 19% above national), each hour of work buys what $64.15 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $95,510 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hilo, Hawaii, the optometrist hourly pay is projected to be $76.53 in 2026, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $67.60. This robust hourly rate can make a meaningful difference for part-time optometrists, who may choose to work three days a week, potentially earning $5,515.16 every month if they maintain a regular schedule. Per-diem optometrists can also take advantage of the flexible work arrangements in various settings, such as private optometry exam rooms, retail optical chains, ophthalmology practices, and VA outpatient clinics. The hourly earnings for these professionals range from $44.39 for entry-level positions to $111.18 for the top earners in the industry, providing a wide spectrum of income potential grounded in the demand for eye care services across the region.
About the Hilo Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($140,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44.39 | $355.09 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $62.19 | $497.50 |
| Median (P50) | $76.53 | $612.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $92.47 | $739.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $111.18 | $889.41 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hilo
Based on $76.53/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $76.53/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hilo, HI can expect to earn approximately $159,183 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $91,836. With a cost-of-living index of 119.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Hilo.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hilo
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,061.21 | $13,265 | $159,183 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,836.72 | $7,959 | $95,510 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,224.48 | $5,306 | $63,673 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Hilo) | $76.53 |
| 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 Hilo, HI earn a median of $159,184 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.21% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 5.10% below the Hawaii state average of $167,739.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $76.53/hr = $95,510/year (purchasing power: $80,058).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $159,183/year (purchasing power: $133,431).
CoL index: 119.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$62.73/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$74.33/hr
2026 Current Est.
$76.53/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Hilo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62.73/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $64.25/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $67.65/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $68.35/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $71.77/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $76.20/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $74.33/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76.53/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78.80/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Hilo grew 18.5% from $62.73/hr (2019) to $74.33/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $78.80/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 Hilo 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 Hilo
Optometrists in Hilo who opt for part-time work may find themselves earning different amounts annually compared to full-time counterparts. For example, an optometrist working three days a week for 24 hours could earn around $155,654 each year, allowing for a balanced lifestyle while still achieving a respectable income. Per diem optometrists commanding higher daily rates often bill between $500 to $800 at retail chains and upwards of $1,200 in specialty practices. Factors influencing these variances include the employer type—private practices, retail chains, or institutional settings—each offering unique compensation structures and benefits. While some optometrists might accept lower hourly rates for the advantage of health insurance and stability, others may pursue higher-paying positions without benefits, reflecting individual priorities and career goals. Negotiating the right compensation package is crucial, especially when considering workload, working environment, and potential opportunities for clinical skill enhancement through expanding scopes of practice related to regulations supported by the AOA and other organizations.
More salary data for Hilo, HI:
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 Hilo. 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 Hilo 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