Optometrist Hourly Pay in Cedar Falls, IA: $60.54 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Cedar Falls, IA runs $60.54 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $125,928 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Cedar Falls's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $66.97 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $75,555 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Cedar Falls, Iowa, the optometrist hourly rate stands at $60.54, which is comparatively lower than the national median of $67.60 per hour. This rate provides a decent earning potential for both full-time and part-time optometrists in the area. Part-time optometrists working three days a week can expect to make significant income while retaining flexibility in their schedules, often benefiting from roles in diverse settings such as private optometry practices, retail chain locations, and outpatient clinics. For entry-level optometrists, the hourly pay starts at around $35.12 but can reach up to $84.99 for those in top positions, emphasizing the opportunities for growth within this field. It’s essential for new graduates and part-timers to carefully evaluate the settings they consider, as those choices can affect not only their income but also their work-life balance.
About the Cedar Falls Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35.12 | $280.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.02 | $408.13 |
| Median (P50) | $60.54 | $484.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $71.31 | $570.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $84.99 | $679.95 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cedar Falls
Based on $60.54/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $60.54/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cedar Falls, IA can expect to earn approximately $125,924 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $72,649. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Cedar Falls.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cedar Falls
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,421.62 | $10,494 | $125,924 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,452.97 | $6,296 | $75,555 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $968.65 | $4,197 | $50,370 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Cedar Falls) | $60.54 |
| 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 Cedar Falls, IA earn a median of $125,928 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.44% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 0.90% below the Iowa state average of $127,072.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $60.54/hr = $75,555/year (purchasing power: $83,578).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $125,924/year (purchasing power: $139,297).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$49.62/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$58.80/hr
2026 Current Est.
$60.54/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Cedar Falls (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49.62/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $50.83/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $53.52/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $54.07/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $56.77/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $55.11/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $58.80/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60.54/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62.33/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Cedar Falls grew 18.5% from $49.62/hr (2019) to $58.80/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $62.33/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 Cedar Falls 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 Cedar Falls
Analyzing the financial dynamics for optometrists in Cedar Falls reveals intriguing options for part-time and per-diem opportunities. A three-day workweek can yield an annual income significantly lower than that of full-time optometrists, but provides the advantage of flexibility—a critical factor for many in the profession. Per diem optometrists often command daily rates ranging from $500 to $1,200 depending on the facility type, with private practices supplementing their roster with fill-in staff that typically earn less but offer benefits like health insurance. It’s also noteworthy that compensation tends to vary considerably between employer types within the city. Those working in retail optical chains might earn less than their counterparts in hospital systems or specialty clinics, making employment choices an important factor when negotiating hourly wages. Optometrists looking to optimize their earnings should consider leveraging their residency training and specialized skills, especially in light of growing scope-of-practice regulations, while also weighing the trade-offs associated with benefits packages versus higher hourly rates in Cedar Falls.
More salary data for Cedar Falls, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Cedar Falls in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Cedar Falls?
Are optometrists in Cedar Falls 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 Cedar Falls. 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 Cedar Falls 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