Optometrist Hourly Pay in Sioux City, IA: $61.55 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Sioux City, IA runs $61.55 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $128,032 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Sioux City's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $68.09 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $76,814 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Optometrists in Sioux City, IA can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $61.55 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national median of $67.60 for the same year. This hourly compensation provides a decent livelihood for those working part-time or on a per-diem basis. For example, an optometrist working three days a week could anticipate a stable income while managing other commitments or interests. The hourly pay range in Sioux City varies widely: entry-level positions may start around $35.70, while experienced practitioners can earn up to $88.75 per hour depending on their setting, such as private offices, retail optical chains, or hospitals. These figures reflect an estimated calculation derived from projected annual salary data, emphasizing the financial potential across different experience levels.
About the Sioux City 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) | $35.70 | $285.57 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48.45 | $387.62 |
| Median (P50) | $61.55 | $492.40 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $73.28 | $586.21 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $88.75 | $710.01 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Sioux City
Based on $61.55/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $61.55/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Sioux City, IA can expect to earn approximately $128,023 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $73,859. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Sioux City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Sioux City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,461.98 | $10,669 | $128,023 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,477.19 | $6,401 | $76,814 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $984.79 | $4,267 | $51,209 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Sioux City) | $61.55 |
| 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 Sioux City, IA earn a median of $128,032 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.95% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 0.70% above the Iowa state average of $127,142.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $61.55/hr = $76,814/year (purchasing power: $84,971).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $128,023/year (purchasing power: $141,618).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$50.45/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$59.78/hr
2026 Current Est.
$61.55/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Sioux City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50.45/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $51.67/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $54.41/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $63.20/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $57.72/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $56.03/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $59.78/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61.55/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63.37/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Sioux City grew 18.5% from $50.45/hr (2019) to $59.78/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $63.37/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 Sioux City 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 Sioux City
For optometrists considering part-time opportunities, the financial landscape can be quite favorable. An optometrist working 24 hours a week could realistically take home a substantial portion of their estimated annual earnings compared to their full-time counterparts. Locum or per diem optometrists might find lucrative opportunities as well, often billing between $500 and $1,200 per day, depending on their training and the employment context—particularly in retail chains or clinical settings. While private practices in Sioux City typically offer lower hourly rates augmented by benefits like health insurance, those who prioritize high pay may choose to work without benefits in more demanding roles. For those negotiating their hourly pay, it’s advisable to understand the differences in compensation across employers, from solo practices to comprehensive medical settings. This knowledge allows for an informed approach to negotiating pay while considering the trade-offs involved in benefit packages versus hourly wage outcomes.
More salary data for Sioux City, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Sioux City in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Sioux City?
Are optometrists in Sioux City paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Sioux City?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Sioux City?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
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 Sioux City. 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 Sioux City 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