Optometrist Hourly Pay in Richmond, IN: $64.95 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Richmond, IN runs $64.95 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $135,093 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Richmond's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.3, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $71.14 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $81,054 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Richmond, Indiana, optometrists earn a median hourly rate of $64.95, which is slightly below the national median of $67.60. This rate provides flexibility for those seeking part-time work, as a three-day workweek can yield a substantial income, supporting a better work-life balance. Per-diem positions also offer competitive earnings; optometrists can operate within diverse settings, including private practices, retail optical chains, and university clinics. The hourly pay ranges significantly, from $37.67 for entry-level positions to an impressive $91.36 for top earners, which reflects the varying demand and experience levels in the field. It's important to recognize that these hourly rates are derived estimates based on projected annual salary data for 2026.
About the Richmond 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) | $37.67 | $301.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54.74 | $437.95 |
| Median (P50) | $64.95 | $519.58 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76.46 | $611.66 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $91.36 | $730.85 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Richmond
Based on $64.95/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $64.95/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Richmond, IN can expect to earn approximately $135,090 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $77,937. With a cost-of-living index of 91.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Richmond.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Richmond
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,597.89 | $11,258 | $135,090 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,558.73 | $6,755 | $81,054 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,039.15 | $4,503 | $54,036 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Richmond) | $64.95 |
| 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 Richmond, IN earn a median of $135,093 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.92% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 2.70% below the Indiana state average of $138,842.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $64.95/hr = $81,054/year (purchasing power: $88,778).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $135,090/year (purchasing power: $147,963).
CoL index: 91.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$53.23/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$63.08/hr
2026 Current Est.
$64.95/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Richmond (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53.23/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $54.53/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $57.41/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $58.01/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $60.90/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $55.53/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $63.08/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64.95/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66.87/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Richmond grew 18.5% from $53.23/hr (2019) to $63.08/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $66.87/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 Richmond 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 Richmond
Considering part-time and per-diem opportunities, an optometrist working three days per week in Richmond can still take home a significant income while enjoying more leisure time compared to full-time positions. When working per-diem, which typically pays between $500 and $800 a day for retail fill-ins, optometrists can maximize earnings while maintaining flexible schedules. Moreover, those filling in at OD/MD practices might earn even higher daily rates, between $700 and $1,200, particularly if they hold residency training in ocular disease. Variances in hourly rates stem from the type of employer, with differences observed among private optometry practices, retail optical establishments like LensCrafters, and national chains such as Walmart Vision. Many optometrists might opt for lower hourly rates offering benefits, while those without such options may pursue higher wages but must manage their own health insurance. Negotiating effectively is crucial; understanding the local market and competencies can strengthen a practitioner's position when discussing pay in Richmond.
More salary data for Richmond, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Richmond in 2026?
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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 Richmond. 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 Richmond 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