Optometrist Hourly Pay in Franklin, IN: $65.62 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Franklin, IN runs $65.62 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $136,471 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Franklin's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.3, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $71.87 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $81,889 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Optometrists in Franklin, Indiana, can expect a median hourly pay of $65.62 as projected for 2026. This rate is slightly below the national median of $67.60, reflecting the local economic conditions and cost of living index. For part-time and per-diem workers, this hourly pay translates to different earning potentials based on their working schedules. For instance, those working three days a week may take home a meaningful sum while enjoying flexibility in their professional lives. The hourly wage range for optometrists in Franklin extends from $38.05 for those just starting out to as much as $93.43 for top earners with significant experience or specialized training.
About the Franklin Market
Salary estimated from Indiana average ($130,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.05 | $304.43 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52.13 | $417.03 |
| Median (P50) | $65.62 | $524.93 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78.14 | $625.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $93.43 | $747.41 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Franklin
Based on $65.62/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $65.62/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Franklin, IN can expect to earn approximately $136,482 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $78,740. With a cost-of-living index of 91.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Franklin.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Franklin
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,624.66 | $11,374 | $136,482 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,574.79 | $6,824 | $81,889 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,049.86 | $4,549 | $54,593 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Franklin) | $65.62 |
| 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 Franklin, IN earn a median of $136,471 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.94% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 1.70% below the Indiana state average of $138,832.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $65.62/hr = $81,889/year (purchasing power: $89,693).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $136,482/year (purchasing power: $149,488).
CoL index: 91.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$53.78/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$63.73/hr
2026 Current Est.
$65.62/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Franklin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53.78/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $55.09/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $58.00/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $58.61/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $61.53/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $56.10/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $63.73/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65.62/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67.56/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Franklin grew 18.5% from $53.78/hr (2019) to $63.73/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $67.56/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 Franklin 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 Franklin
When analyzing the financial dynamics of optometrists in Franklin, part-time jobs can yield substantial income. For a 24-hour work week, an optometrist might earn approximately $84,749 annually, which is certainly less than what a full-time optometrist would bring home. Per diem optometrists have varied roles, often billing between $500 and $800 daily at retail chains, while agency fill-ins in OD/MD practices could see daily rates from $700 to $1,200. The hourly rates can diverge greatly depending on the employer type, ranging from private practices to retail optical chains and military health systems. While some optometrists might accept lower hourly wages in exchange for comprehensive health benefits, others may choose higher pay without benefits for the sake of flexibility. Negotiation tips for hourly positions in Franklin include understanding market rates for different environments and clearly articulating skills, especially for those with residency training or specialized qualifications.
More salary data for Franklin, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Franklin in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Franklin?
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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 Franklin. 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 Franklin 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