Optometrist Hourly Pay in Davenport, IA: $63.80 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Davenport, IA runs $63.80 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $132,705 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Davenport's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.1, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $71.63 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $79,628 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Davenport, IA, optometrists can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $63.80, which is about 5.62% below the national median hourly rate of $67.60. This wage offers a solid income for those considering part-time positions, typically consisting of three days a week. For such part-time roles, these professionals can achieve significant earnings while enjoying a better work-life balance. Per-diem workers also find opportunities in various environments—including private optometry clinics, retail optical stores, and outpatient clinics—where the scope of work often varies. The hourly range for optometrists in this area spans from $32.83 for entry-level positions to approximately $91.49 for those at the 90th percentile. This data comes from projections based on 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32.83 | $262.67 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42.44 | $339.52 |
| Median (P50) | $63.80 | $510.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $77.20 | $617.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $91.49 | $731.92 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Davenport
Based on $63.80/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $63.80/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Davenport, IA can expect to earn approximately $132,713 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $76,565. With a cost-of-living index of 89.08 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Davenport.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Davenport
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,552.17 | $11,059 | $132,713 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,531.30 | $6,636 | $79,628 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,020.87 | $4,424 | $53,085 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Davenport) | $63.80 |
| 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 Davenport, IA earn a median of $132,705 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.62% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 4.40% above the Iowa state average of $127,112.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $63.80/hr = $79,628/year (purchasing power: $89,390).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $132,713/year (purchasing power: $148,983).
CoL index: 89.079 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$52.30/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$61.97/hr
2026 Current Est.
$63.80/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Davenport (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52.30/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $52.04/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $48.88/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $48.85/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $59.51/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $57.17/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $61.97/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63.80/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65.69/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Davenport grew 18.5% from $52.30/hr (2019) to $61.97/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $65.69/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 Davenport 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 Davenport
For a part-time optometrist working approximately 24 hours a week, the annual take-home pay can still be substantial, though it typically falls short of the earnings of full-time counterparts. In Davenport, per diem optometrists can earn between $500 and $800 daily at retail chains, while those filling in at OD/MD practices can earn between $700 and $1,200 per day. This flexibility can appeal to many practitioners, particularly where student loan debt and residency-trained status come into play. The hourly rates differ significantly based on the type of employer: private practices, retail optical chains like LensCrafters and Pearle Vision, and VA medical facilities offer varied compensation levels. While working in a high-demand area might yield a lower hourly rate, many optometrists prefer the benefits of guaranteed health insurance in exchange for slightly reduced pay. For those negotiating rates, understanding the local demand and comparing different practices can provide leverage in salary discussions.
More salary data for Davenport, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Davenport in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Davenport?
Are optometrists in Davenport paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Davenport?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Davenport?
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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 Davenport. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 6-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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