Optometrist Hourly Pay in Kansas City, KS: $69.03 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Kansas City, KS runs $69.03 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $143,589 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Kansas City's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $75.95 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $86,155 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a median hourly rate of $69.03, optometrists in Kansas City, Kansas, earn slightly above the national median of $67.60 per hour. This rate provides a solid income for those working part-time or as per-diem professionals, which is common in settings such as private optometry offices, retail optical chains, and academic clinics. Part-time optometrists, operating about three days a week, can anticipate a decent return while managing a flexible schedule. The hourly pay ranges significantly from $40.04 for entry-level positions (P10) to $102.55 for seasoned professionals (P90), reflecting the varying levels of experience and scope of practice. These estimates are derived from projected annual salaries, providing a framework for understanding the financial landscape for optometrists considering different working arrangements in Kansas City.
About the Kansas City Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40.04 | $320.33 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52.90 | $423.21 |
| Median (P50) | $69.03 | $552.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $83.59 | $668.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $102.55 | $820.39 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kansas City
Based on $69.03/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $69.03/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kansas City, KS can expect to earn approximately $143,592 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $82,842. With a cost-of-living index of 90.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Kansas City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kansas City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,761.39 | $11,966 | $143,592 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,656.83 | $7,180 | $86,155 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,104.55 | $4,786 | $57,437 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Kansas City) | $69.03 |
| 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 Kansas City, KS earn a median of $143,589 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.12% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 12.30% above the Kansas state average of $127,862.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $69.03/hr = $86,155/year (purchasing power: $94,780).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $143,592/year (purchasing power: $157,967).
CoL index: 90.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$56.58/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$67.05/hr
2026 Current Est.
$69.03/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Kansas City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56.58/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $57.96/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $61.03/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $61.66/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $64.74/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $56.86/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $67.05/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69.03/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71.08/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Kansas City grew 18.5% from $56.58/hr (2019) to $67.05/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $71.08/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 Kansas 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 Kansas City
For those looking at part-time opportunities, working three days a week (approximately 24 hours) could yield an annual income that is significantly lower than that of full-time colleagues. Part-time optometrists may take home around $90,000 per year, while full-time practitioners could surpass $143,589 annually. Per-diem and locum tenens optometrists often command higher rates, with retail chains offering between $500-$800 daily and specialty practices ranging from $700 to $1,200 per day, depending on the setting and specific skills. The hourly pay for optometrists varies widely based on their employer, with private practices generally offering different compensation packages than retail chains, insurance plans, or VA medical centers. Some practitioners may choose to forgo higher hourly rates in exchange for benefits such as health insurance. For those in Kansas City, effective negotiation can be key; understanding one's value and the nuances of different employer types can lead to arrangements that better suit personal financial needs.
More salary data for Kansas City, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Kansas City in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Kansas City?
Are optometrists in Kansas City 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 Kansas 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 Kansas 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