Optometrist Hourly Pay in Meridian, ID: $64.67 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Meridian, ID runs $64.67 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $134,505 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Meridian's regional price level (BEA RPP 95.3, 5% below national), each hour of work buys what $67.86 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $80,707 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Meridian, Idaho, the projected optometrist hourly pay for 2026 stands at $64.67, slightly below the national average of $67.60. This rate is indicative of the compensation structure in various clinical settings, including private practices, retail optical chains, and hospital environments. For optometrists working part-time, such as those seeing patients three days a week, this hourly rate offers a pathway to earn a respectable income, particularly for per-diem professionals who may choose their hours for maximum flexibility. With an hourly range reaching from $37.51 for entry-level positions to as much as $98.42 for top earners, those in this field have a spectrum of earning potential tailored to their experience and choice of work environment.
About the Meridian 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) | $37.51 | $300.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52.43 | $419.42 |
| Median (P50) | $64.67 | $517.35 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $77.37 | $619.00 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $98.42 | $787.36 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Meridian
Based on $64.67/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $64.67/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Meridian, ID can expect to earn approximately $134,512 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $77,603. With a cost-of-living index of 95.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Meridian.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Meridian
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,586.77 | $11,209 | $134,512 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,552.06 | $6,726 | $80,707 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,034.71 | $4,484 | $53,805 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Meridian) | $64.67 |
| 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 Meridian, ID earn a median of $134,505 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.34% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 0.40% above the Idaho state average of $133,969.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $64.67/hr = $80,707/year (purchasing power: $84,687).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $134,512/year (purchasing power: $141,146).
CoL index: 95.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$53.00/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$62.81/hr
2026 Current Est.
$64.67/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Meridian (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53.00/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $54.29/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $57.17/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $57.76/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $60.64/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $59.79/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $62.81/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64.67/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66.58/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Meridian grew 18.5% from $53.00/hr (2019) to $62.81/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $66.58/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 Meridian 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 Meridian
Examining the earning potential for part-time and per-diem optometrists in Meridian reveals compelling opportunities in this profession. A 24-hour work week translates to approximately $75,000 annually for a part-time optometrist, maintaining a balance between personal and professional life. Per-diem rates can vary widely, with fill-in optometrists at retail chains earning between $500 and $800 daily, while those providing care in OD/MD practice settings may command up to $1,200 each day. Employment options vary, from private practices to larger retailers like Walmart Vision, and each setting presents a distinct compensation strategy. While higher hourly rates might tempt some to opt for less comprehensive benefit packages, those seeking stability through health insurance may find lower hourly wages compelling. Negotiating for favorable terms in Meridian often requires a clear understanding of the local market and potential flexibility with hours and benefits.
More salary data for Meridian, ID:
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 Meridian. 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 Meridian 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