Optometrist Hourly Pay in Des Moines, IA: $64.25 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Des Moines, IA runs $64.25 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $133,621 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Des Moines's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.7, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $70.06 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $80,180 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Des Moines, Iowa, the optometrist hourly pay is projected to be $64.25 in 2026, which falls short of the national average of $67.60. This rate reflects the financial environment within various settings, such as private optometry exam rooms, retail optical chains, VA clinics, and academic institutions. For part-time professionals working three days a week, typically around 24 hours, the remuneration can provide a solid income, especially when considering the flexibility it offers. Entry-level optometrists may start at around $33.63 per hour, while seasoned professionals can command upwards of $88.27, aptly showcasing the potential growth within the field based on skill level and experience. These figures are derived from reliable data based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33.63 | $269.01 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49.95 | $399.57 |
| Median (P50) | $64.25 | $513.98 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $82.16 | $657.30 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $88.27 | $706.14 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Des Moines
Based on $64.25/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $64.25/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Des Moines, IA can expect to earn approximately $133,634 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $77,096. With a cost-of-living index of 91.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Des Moines.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Des Moines
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,569.88 | $11,136 | $133,634 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,541.93 | $6,682 | $80,180 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,027.95 | $4,454 | $53,454 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Des Moines) | $64.25 |
| 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 Des Moines, IA earn a median of $133,621 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.97% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 5.10% above the Iowa state average of $127,137.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $64.25/hr = $80,180/year (purchasing power: $87,437).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $133,634/year (purchasing power: $145,728).
CoL index: 91.701 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$36.42/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$62.40/hr
2026 Current Est.
$64.25/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+81.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Des Moines (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36.42/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $37.08/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $61.40/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $65.17/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $54.73/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $61.13/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $62.40/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64.25/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66.15/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Des Moines grew 71.3% from $36.42/hr (2019) to $62.40/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $66.15/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 Des Moines 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 Des Moines
Part-time optometrists in Des Moines can expect varying financial outcomes compared to their full-time counterparts. For an optometrist working three days a week, averaging 24 hours, annual earnings greatly depend on hourly compensation rates. Per diem optometrists often earn significantly more; for example, rates can range from $500 to $1,200 per day depending on the practice type—such as retail chains versus medical settings. Variations in hourly rates also reflect the type of employer; private practices may offer lower hourly pay but provide benefits, while retail chains emphasize higher hourly pay with fewer perks. Evaluating these options is crucial for any optometrist in the area. Negotiating effectively can hinge on understanding the expectations of Des Moines’ employers and emphasizing any acquired specialties, such as residency training or advanced skills in managing ocular diseases, which can influence pay rates in this competitive landscape.
More salary data for Des Moines, IA:
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 Des Moines. 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, 7-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