Optometrist Hourly Pay in Salina, KS: $59.46 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Salina, KS runs $59.46 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $123,680 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Salina's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $65.41 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $74,205 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Salina, Kansas, the projected optometrist hourly rate for 2026 is set at $59.46, which falls below the national median of $67.60. This pay structure translates to various opportunities for part-time and per-diem optometrists working in diverse environments, such as independent optometry practices and healthcare facilities. For example, a part-time optometrist working three days a week could expect to take home significant earnings, depending on how many hours they choose to work. The hourly wage ranges from $36.05 at the lower end of the scale to $82.99 for those at the highest income levels, reflecting the differences in job settings and experience. The figures provide an enticing outlook for professionals entering the field or considering part-time work options within this landscape.
About the Salina 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) | $36.05 | $288.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49.71 | $397.67 |
| Median (P50) | $59.46 | $475.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $69.60 | $556.81 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $82.99 | $663.89 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Salina
Based on $59.46/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $59.46/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Salina, KS can expect to earn approximately $123,676 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $71,351. With a cost-of-living index of 90.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Salina.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Salina
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,378.38 | $10,306 | $123,676 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,427.03 | $6,184 | $74,205 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $951.35 | $4,123 | $49,470 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Salina) | $59.46 |
| 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 Salina, KS earn a median of $123,680 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.04% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 3.20% below the Kansas state average of $127,768.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $59.46/hr = $74,205/year (purchasing power: $81,634).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $123,676/year (purchasing power: $136,057).
CoL index: 90.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$48.73/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$57.75/hr
2026 Current Est.
$59.46/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Salina (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48.73/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $49.92/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $52.56/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $53.11/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $55.76/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $54.13/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $57.75/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59.46/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61.22/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Salina grew 18.5% from $48.73/hr (2019) to $57.75/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $61.22/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 Salina 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 Salina
Earning a consistent income as a part-time optometrist can yield different yearly outcomes compared to full-time roles. A typical three-day-a-week schedule totaling around 24 hours would result in annual earnings that may be less predictable but still substantial, especially when compared to traditional full-time employment. For per diem optometrists in Salina, the compensation model offers an even more lucrative picture, with daily rates varying significantly; for instance, retail chains might offer around $500 to $800 per day, while specialized practices can see fill-in optometrists earning between $700 and $1,200 daily. The variability in pay across different employer types, including retail optical chains like LensCrafters, private practices, and hospital systems, allows professionals to strategize their career paths effectively. However, the choice between higher hourly rates without benefits and more comprehensive compensation packages that include health coverage is a significant point for many optometrists. Understanding local market dynamics can aid in negotiations, particularly for those who are flexible in their work schedules or willing to embark on per diem opportunities to maximize their earnings potential.
More salary data for Salina, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Salina. 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 Salina 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