Optometrist Hourly Pay in Leawood, KS: $59.13 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Leawood, KS runs $59.13 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $122,995 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Leawood's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $65.05 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $73,794 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Leawood, Kansas, the optometrist hourly pay is projected to be $59.13 by 2026, positioning local practitioners below the national median of $67.60. This hourly rate can cater well to part-time and per-diem positions, which are common in settings like private exam rooms, retail optical chains, and outpatient clinics. For those working three days a week, this translates to an annual earning potential that supports a balanced work-life, which is appealing especially to recent graduates and those seeking flexibility. Entry-level optometrists earn around $35.30 per hour, while highly experienced professionals can make as much as $85.53 per hour, showcasing a range that reflects varying education levels, responsibilities, and years of experience within the field in Leawood.
About the Leawood 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) | $35.30 | $282.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47.72 | $381.78 |
| Median (P50) | $59.13 | $473.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $71.05 | $568.42 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $85.53 | $684.23 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Leawood
Based on $59.13/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $59.13/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Leawood, KS can expect to earn approximately $122,990 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $70,956. With a cost-of-living index of 90.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Leawood.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Leawood
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,365.20 | $10,249 | $122,990 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,419.12 | $6,150 | $73,794 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $946.08 | $4,100 | $49,196 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Leawood) | $59.13 |
| 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 Leawood, KS earn a median of $122,995 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.53% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 3.80% below the Kansas state average of $127,853.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $59.13/hr = $73,794/year (purchasing power: $81,182).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $122,990/year (purchasing power: $135,303).
CoL index: 90.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$48.46/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$57.43/hr
2026 Current Est.
$59.13/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Leawood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48.46/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $49.64/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $52.27/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $52.81/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $55.45/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $53.83/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $57.43/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59.13/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60.88/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Leawood grew 18.5% from $48.46/hr (2019) to $57.43/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $60.88/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 Leawood 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 Leawood
Consider the annual income implications for a part-time optometrist in Leawood who works 24 hours a week versus one who works full-time. By working three days a week, an optometrist would earn around $46,000 annually, a figure that significantly contrasts with the income of full-time colleagues. Moreover, per-diem optometrists often find lucrative opportunities, billing daily rates between $500 to $1,200 depending on the setting—particularly in retail optical chains or OD/MD practices. The variety among different employer types can also lead to significant differences in hourly pay. For example, those in private practices might earn less but benefit from health insurance, whereas independent agents may make more without benefits. Understanding these nuances can empower optometrists to negotiate effectively, ensuring they achieve competitive compensation that aligns with their personal circumstances and career goals.
More salary data for Leawood, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Leawood in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Leawood?
Are optometrists in Leawood paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Leawood?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Leawood?
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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 Leawood. 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 Leawood 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