Optometrist Hourly Pay in Urban Honolulu, HI: $70.18 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Urban Honolulu, HI runs $70.18 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $145,966 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Urban Honolulu's regional price level (BEA RPP 111.0, 11% above national), each hour of work buys what $63.25 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $87,582 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Urban Honolulu, the optometrist hourly pay is projected to hit $70.18 in 2026, notably surpassing the national median of $67.60. This competitive rate allows for appealing opportunities for part-time and per-diem work, often being a common choice for practitioners seeking flexible schedules. Those working three days a week in private optometry settings, retail optical chains, or outpatient VA clinics can expect to earn well within the hourly range, from $53.01 at the entry-level (P10) to as much as $101.67 for seasoned professionals at the top end (P90). The dynamic employment landscape in Urban Honolulu supports a variety of practice settings, giving optometrists the chance to adapt their work hours according to personal or professional needs, based on the official Bureau of Labor Statistics salary estimates.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $53.01 | $424.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $59.88 | $479.05 |
| Median (P50) | $70.18 | $561.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $80.17 | $641.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $101.67 | $813.38 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Urban Honolulu
Based on $70.18/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $70.18/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Urban Honolulu, HI can expect to earn approximately $145,969 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $84,213. With a cost-of-living index of 110.96 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Urban Honolulu.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Urban Honolulu
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,807.10 | $12,164 | $145,969 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,684.26 | $7,298 | $87,582 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,122.84 | $4,866 | $58,388 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Urban Honolulu) | $70.18 |
| 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 Urban Honolulu, HI earn a median of $145,966 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.81% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 13.00% below the Hawaii state average of $167,777.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $70.18/hr = $87,582/year (purchasing power: $78,930).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $145,969/year (purchasing power: $131,550).
CoL index: 110.961 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$51.76/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$68.16/hr
2026 Current Est.
$70.18/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+39.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Urban Honolulu (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51.76/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $59.50/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $61.11/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $64.62/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $61.48/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $61.67/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $68.16/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70.18/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72.25/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Urban Honolulu grew 31.7% from $51.76/hr (2019) to $68.16/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $72.25/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 Urban 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 Urban Honolulu
When evaluating part-time financial outcomes, an optometrist working 24 hours per week can expect an annual take-home considerably less than full-time counterparts, yet still substantial. For instance, per-diem optometrist pay in Urban Honolulu commonly reaches daily rates between $500 and $800 at retail chains, while more specialized positions may offer fill-in roles that earn between $700 and $1,200 per day. Moreover, hourly rates differ across employer types within the market; solo and group practices may offer competitive pay, but retail chains often appeal to those with different financial or employment priorities. Optometrists often weigh the trade-offs of opting for lower hourly wages with added benefits like health insurance versus the allure of higher pay without such perks. When negotiating, practitioners should consider local cost-of-living factors and the value of available benefits as they pursue optimal working arrangements in this vibrant urban setting.
More salary data for Urban Honolulu, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Urban Honolulu in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Urban Honolulu?
Are optometrists in Urban Honolulu paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Urban Honolulu?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Urban Honolulu?
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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 Urban 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-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