Optometrist Hourly Pay in Manhattan, KS: $61.80 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Manhattan, KS runs $61.80 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $128,528 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Manhattan's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $67.98 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $77,122 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Manhattan, Kansas, the optometrist hourly pay reflects local earnings projections with a median rate of $61.80 per hour. This figure is lower than the national median hourly pay of $67.60, suggesting a somewhat unique economic environment for optometrists in the area. For part-time professionals working just three days a week, or per-diem optometrists filling in at various facilities such as private practice exam rooms or retail chains, this hourly rate presents a stable earning base. That being said, the pay range for optometrists can vary widely; entry-level positions may start around $35.84 per hour, while the top 10% of earners can make up to $88.90 per hour. These estimates, derived from annual salary data, highlight the diverse settings in which optometrists operate, from university teaching clinics to Veteran Affairs outpatient facilities.
About the Manhattan 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) | $35.84 | $286.72 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48.51 | $388.12 |
| Median (P50) | $61.80 | $494.37 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $73.43 | $587.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $88.90 | $711.17 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Manhattan
Based on $61.80/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $61.80/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Manhattan, KS can expect to earn approximately $128,537 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $74,156. With a cost-of-living index of 90.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Manhattan.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Manhattan
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,471.86 | $10,711 | $128,537 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,483.12 | $6,427 | $77,122 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $988.75 | $4,285 | $51,415 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Manhattan) | $61.80 |
| 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 Manhattan, KS earn a median of $128,528 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.59% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 0.60% above the Kansas state average of $127,761.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $61.80/hr = $77,122/year (purchasing power: $84,843).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $128,537/year (purchasing power: $141,405).
CoL index: 90.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$50.65/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$60.02/hr
2026 Current Est.
$61.80/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Manhattan (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50.65/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $51.88/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $54.63/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $55.19/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $57.95/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $56.25/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $60.02/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61.80/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63.63/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Manhattan grew 18.5% from $50.65/hr (2019) to $60.02/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $63.63/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 Manhattan 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 Manhattan
Consider the financial dynamics for those working part-time or as per-diem optometrists in Manhattan. An optometrist working just 24 hours a week could take home significantly less compared to a full-timer, who may command a higher annual income due to additional hours. Per-diem optometrists might find themselves billing anywhere from $500 to $1,200 per day, depending on the setting—retail locations generally offer lower rates while specialized hospital systems can pay more. With various employer types like solo practices, retail optical chains, and military health systems, optometry professionals have choices that affect their hourly earnings. Some may opt for lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits like health insurance, which is crucial in managing expenses. It's wise for optometrists in Manhattan to negotiate effectively, considering both the hourly pay and the accompanying benefits to align with their long-term career and financial goals.
More salary data for Manhattan, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Manhattan in 2026?
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Related Pages
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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 Manhattan. 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 Manhattan 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