Optometrist Hourly Pay in Lewiston, ID: $61.95 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Lewiston, ID runs $61.95 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $128,866 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Lewiston's regional price level (BEA RPP 95.3, 5% below national), each hour of work buys what $65.01 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $77,315 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lewiston, Idaho, the optometrist hourly pay is projected to reach a median of $61.95 in 2026, which positions it below the national median hourly rate of $67.60. This median rate offers valuable insights for various work arrangements, particularly for part-time or per-diem optometrists who may work in environments such as private exam rooms, retail optical chains, and outpatient clinics. With an hourly range spanning from $36.92 at the 10th percentile to $89.53 for those at the 90th percentile, opportunities in Lewiston cater to both entry-level professionals and seasoned practitioners. These figures are derived from annual salary estimates, providing a strong foundation for assessing the financial landscape of this profession in the local area.
About the Lewiston Market
Salary estimated from Idaho 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) | $51.33 | $410.60 |
| Median (P50) | $61.95 | $495.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74.39 | $595.11 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $89.53 | $716.27 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lewiston
Based on $61.95/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $61.95/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lewiston, ID can expect to earn approximately $128,858 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $74,341. With a cost-of-living index of 95.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lewiston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lewiston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,478.04 | $10,738 | $128,858 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,486.82 | $6,443 | $77,315 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $991.22 | $4,295 | $51,543 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Lewiston) | $61.95 |
| 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 Lewiston, ID earn a median of $128,866 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.35% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 3.80% below the Idaho state average of $133,956.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $61.95/hr = $77,315/year (purchasing power: $81,128).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $128,858/year (purchasing power: $135,213).
CoL index: 95.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$50.78/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$60.17/hr
2026 Current Est.
$61.95/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Lewiston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50.78/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $52.01/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $54.76/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $55.33/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $58.09/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $57.28/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $60.17/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61.95/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63.78/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Lewiston grew 18.5% from $50.78/hr (2019) to $60.17/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $63.78/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 Lewiston 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 Lewiston
For those working part-time, such as a 24-hour work week, the income potential may yield a significantly different annual figure compared to full-time practitioners, who typically enjoy better stability. Per diem optometrists often command daily rates that can fluctuate widely; those working in retail settings might expect $500 to $800 per day, while positions in OD/MD practices can net anywhere from $700 to $1,200 each day. Variations in pay rates among different types of employers in Lewiston, such as private practices, optical chains, and VA medical centers, reflect the evolving nature of the field, especially with the expanded scope of practice that allows optometrists to manage conditions like glaucoma and utilize oral medications. Due to these disparities, some practitioners may choose roles offering lower hourly pay but including benefits like health insurance, whereas others may prefer higher pay for contracted or locum positions with no benefits. Understanding the local hiring trends and negotiating based on the unique leverage of the optometry market in Lewiston can significantly impact one’s overall earning potential.
More salary data for Lewiston, ID:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Lewiston in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Lewiston?
Are optometrists in Lewiston paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Lewiston?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Lewiston?
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 Lewiston. 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 Lewiston 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