Optometrist Hourly Pay in Lawrence, IN: $63.85 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Lawrence, IN runs $63.85 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $132,809 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Lawrence's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.3, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $69.93 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $79,679 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the optometrist hourly pay in Lawrence, Indiana, is projected to be $63.85, which is slightly lower than the national median hourly rate of $67.60. This rate provides a solid foundation for those considering flexible employment arrangements, such as part-time work three days a week or per-diem options. Optometrists in varying settings, including private practices, retail optical chains, and university clinics, benefit from a broad hourly range from $37.52 for entry-level positions to as high as $93.90 for top earners. These figures represent estimates derived from annual salary data, offering a glimpse into the profession's earning potential depending on experience and practice location.
About the Lawrence 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) | $37.52 | $300.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52.50 | $419.99 |
| Median (P50) | $63.85 | $510.76 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $77.66 | $621.30 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $93.90 | $751.20 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lawrence
Based on $63.85/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $63.85/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lawrence, IN can expect to earn approximately $132,799 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $76,615. With a cost-of-living index of 91.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lawrence.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lawrence
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,553.82 | $11,067 | $132,799 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,532.29 | $6,640 | $79,679 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,021.53 | $4,427 | $53,119 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Lawrence) | $63.85 |
| 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 Lawrence, IN earn a median of $132,809 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.55% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 4.30% below the Indiana state average of $138,777.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $63.85/hr = $79,679/year (purchasing power: $87,272).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $132,799/year (purchasing power: $145,453).
CoL index: 91.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$52.33/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$62.01/hr
2026 Current Est.
$63.85/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Lawrence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52.33/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $53.60/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $56.44/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $57.02/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $59.87/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $54.59/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $62.01/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63.85/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65.74/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Lawrence grew 18.5% from $52.33/hr (2019) to $62.01/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $65.74/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 Lawrence 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 Lawrence
Taking a closer look at part-time earnings, an optometrist who works 24 hours a week could potentially earn around $73,200 annually, but this varies based on the hours worked and type of practice. Per-diem optometrists have the potential to command impressive daily rates, with retail chain fill-ins often ranging from $500 to $800 per day, while in more specialized settings like OD/MD practices, fill-ins can make between $700 and $1,200. Different employer types in Lawrence offer varying hourly pay scales. Optometrists in private practices might enjoy a lower hourly rate but receive additional benefits like health insurance, which many prefer over a higher hourly wage in positions without benefits. For those negotiating pay, it's wise to consider these factors and be prepared to discuss the unique trade-offs during salary discussions.
More salary data for Lawrence, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Lawrence in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Lawrence?
Are optometrists in Lawrence paid hourly or salary?
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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 Lawrence. 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 Lawrence 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