Optometrist Hourly Pay in West Des Moines, IA: $63.41 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in West Des Moines, IA runs $63.41 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $131,895 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against West Des Moines's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $70.15 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $79,140 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, optometrists in West Des Moines, Iowa, will earn a median hourly rate of $63.41, which is slightly below the national median of $67.60. This hourly pay creates a practical framework for those considering part-time work, such as three days a week, which allows flexibility while still offering a solid income. For optometrists in retail optical chain mall locations, community health clinics, or private practices, earnings can significantly differ based on experience and location, with entry-level positions starting at approximately $36.78 per hour, and more seasoned professionals earning up to $93.77 per hour. These rates, while based on annual salaries for calculation, offer a clear picture of what optometrists can expect in terms of compensation, highlighting a robust earning potential within the profession in West Des Moines.
About the West Des Moines 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) | $36.78 | $294.22 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.03 | $400.23 |
| Median (P50) | $63.41 | $507.30 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $77.08 | $616.61 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $93.77 | $750.13 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in West Des Moines
Based on $63.41/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $63.41/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in West Des Moines, IA can expect to earn approximately $131,899 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $76,096. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in West Des Moines.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in West Des Moines
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,536.52 | $10,992 | $131,899 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,521.91 | $6,595 | $79,140 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,014.61 | $4,397 | $52,760 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (West Des Moines) | $63.41 |
| 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 West Des Moines, IA earn a median of $131,895 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.20% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 3.80% above the Iowa state average of $127,066.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $63.41/hr = $79,140/year (purchasing power: $87,544).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $131,899/year (purchasing power: $145,906).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$51.98/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$61.59/hr
2026 Current Est.
$63.41/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in West Des Moines (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51.98/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $53.24/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $56.06/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $56.64/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $59.47/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $54.36/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $61.59/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63.41/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65.29/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in West Des Moines grew 18.5% from $51.98/hr (2019) to $61.59/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $65.29/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 West 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 West Des Moines
Considering a part-time schedule such as three days a week, an optometrist working 24 hours annually could anticipate an income that's significantly lower than their full-time counterparts, limiting gross earnings compared to those putting in a full 40-hour week. For per-diem optometrists, the financial outlook varies widely; daily rates at retail chains typically range from $500 to $800, while those filling in at ophthalmology practices command between $700 and $1,200 per day. Residency-trained optometrists in certain hospital settings may see per-hour remuneration between $90 and $130 as independent contractors. Notably, hourly pay rates can differ based on the type of employer, with private practices often providing competitive salaries, while retail chains may offer slightly lower but are coupled with comprehensive benefits. Negotiation for hourly positions in West Des Moines can be advantageous, especially if an optometrist can demonstrate their specialty and experience, thereby justifying a higher hourly rate in line with their skill set and local market demands.
More salary data for West Des Moines, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in West Des Moines in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in West Des Moines?
Are optometrists in West Des Moines paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in West Des Moines?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in West Des Moines?
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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 West 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
Salary data for West Des Moines 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