Optometrist Hourly Pay in Honolulu, HI: $85.82 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Honolulu, HI runs $85.82 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $178,499 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Honolulu's regional price level (BEA RPP 119.3, 19% above national), each hour of work buys what $71.93 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $107,100 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Honolulu, Hawaii, the optometrist hourly pay stands at a robust $85.82, significantly above the national average of $67.60. This competitive rate opens various opportunities for both full-time professionals and those seeking part-time or per-diem work in settings like private practices, retail optical chains, VA clinics, and university teaching environments. For part-time optometrists working three days a week, or approximately 24 hours, the pay can still reflect a significant income, showcasing how even limited hours afford a decent standard of living in an area with a higher cost of living index of 119.3. Entry-level optometrists earn around $49.77 per hour, while experienced professionals can reach up to $129.20 per hour, highlighting the potential for salary growth in this field within the Honolulu area.
About the Honolulu 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) | $49.77 | $398.17 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $65.52 | $524.19 |
| Median (P50) | $85.82 | $686.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $106.18 | $849.46 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $129.20 | $1033.64 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Honolulu
Based on $85.82/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $85.82/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Honolulu, HI can expect to earn approximately $178,500 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $102,981. With a cost-of-living index of 119.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Honolulu.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Honolulu
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,432.69 | $14,875 | $178,500 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $2,059.61 | $8,925 | $107,100 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,373.07 | $5,950 | $71,400 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Honolulu) | $85.82 |
| 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 Honolulu, HI earn a median of $178,499 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.94% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 6.40% above the Hawaii state average of $167,762.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $85.82/hr = $107,100/year (purchasing power: $89,774).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $178,500/year (purchasing power: $149,623).
CoL index: 119.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$70.34/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$83.35/hr
2026 Current Est.
$85.82/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Honolulu (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $70.34/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $72.05/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $75.86/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $76.65/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $80.48/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $85.44/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $83.35/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $85.82/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $88.36/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Honolulu grew 18.5% from $70.34/hr (2019) to $83.35/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $88.36/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 Honolulu 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 Honolulu
Examining the potential earnings for optometrists reveals intriguing disparities depending on their employment setup. For a part-time optometrist working 24 hours a week, annual earnings can approximate $106,000, offering a comfortable lifestyle in Honolulu compared to full-time counterparts. Per diem roles showcase an even broader financial spectrum; many fill-in optometrists charge between $500 and $800 per day in retail settings, while those in more specialized OD/MD practices command up to $1,200 daily. Variations in hourly rates across employer types create further nuance in earning potential, with private practices potentially offering lower rates in exchange for benefits such as health insurance. Negotiation tips for hourly workers include emphasizing the value of experience and specialization, particularly for those with residency training in ocular disease, thereby leveraging the expanding scope of practice—such as glaucoma management and oral medications—against the financial backdrop present in 2026.
More salary data for Honolulu, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Honolulu in 2026?
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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 Honolulu. 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 Honolulu 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