Optometrist Hourly Pay in Kokomo, IN: $65.73 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Kokomo, IN runs $65.73 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $136,724 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Kokomo's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.3, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $71.99 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $82,031 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kokomo, Indiana, the optometrist hourly pay is projected at $65.73 for 2026, which reflects a slight deviation from the national hourly median of $67.60. This rate impacts those working part-time or on a per-diem basis, especially in varied settings such as private optometry offices, retail optical chains, and hospital systems. For a part-time optometrist working three days a week, the income translates to consistent weekly earnings, fitting well within the lifestyle choices of many in this profession. The hourly rate ranges from $38.36 for entry-level positions to $98.22 for top earners, illustrating the potential for income variation based on experience, setting, and patient volume.
About the Kokomo 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) | $38.36 | $306.90 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53.91 | $431.28 |
| Median (P50) | $65.73 | $525.84 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78.00 | $624.02 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $98.22 | $785.79 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kokomo
Based on $65.73/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $65.73/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kokomo, IN can expect to earn approximately $136,718 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $78,876. With a cost-of-living index of 91.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Kokomo.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kokomo
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,629.19 | $11,393 | $136,718 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,577.51 | $6,836 | $82,031 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,051.67 | $4,557 | $54,687 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Kokomo) | $65.73 |
| 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 Kokomo, IN earn a median of $136,724 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.77% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 1.50% below the Indiana state average of $138,806.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $65.73/hr = $82,031/year (purchasing power: $89,847).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $136,718/year (purchasing power: $149,746).
CoL index: 91.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$53.87/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$63.84/hr
2026 Current Est.
$65.73/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Kokomo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53.87/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $55.18/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $58.10/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $58.71/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $61.64/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $56.20/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $63.84/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65.73/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67.68/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Kokomo grew 18.5% from $53.87/hr (2019) to $63.84/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $67.68/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 Kokomo 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 Kokomo
Focusing on the financial landscape for optometrists in Kokomo reveals distinct earning scenarios for those considering part-time work or per-diem positions. An optometrist working three days a week may anticipate an annual earnings of around $82,651, a stark contrast to full-time compensation. Per-diem optometrists, depending on their practice type, can command rates of $500 to $1,200 per day, influenced by the setting—retail chains versus independent practices—reflecting varying employer compensation structures. In this market, hourly pay may also be influenced by the benefits package offered; some may trade higher hourly compensation for stability in health insurance. For those negotiating their positions in Kokomo, understanding local employer dynamics and articulating the value of additional experience or specialization, such as residency training in ocular disease, can be pivotal in securing better terms.
More salary data for Kokomo, IN:
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 Kokomo. 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 Kokomo 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