Optometrist Hourly Pay in Shawnee, KS: $59.90 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Shawnee, KS runs $59.90 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $124,600 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Shawnee's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $65.90 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $74,758 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Shawnee, KS, optometrists earn a median hourly rate of $59.90, which is notably lower than the national median of $67.60. This figure reflects the local market dynamics, where part-time or per-diem optometrists working in settings such as private optometry practices or retail optical chains may have variable earnings. With an hourly range spanning from $34.75 for entry-level positions to $88.30 for top earners, the potential for part-time work (such as a 3-day workweek) can indeed provide a substantial income. However, they must navigate the differing hourly rates in various environments, including exam rooms at VA outpatient clinics, university teaching clinics, and retail optical locations.
About the Shawnee 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) | $34.75 | $277.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48.40 | $387.21 |
| Median (P50) | $59.90 | $479.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $72.64 | $581.11 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $88.30 | $706.39 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Shawnee
Based on $59.90/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $59.90/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Shawnee, KS can expect to earn approximately $124,596 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $71,883. With a cost-of-living index of 90.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Shawnee.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Shawnee
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,396.09 | $10,383 | $124,596 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,437.65 | $6,230 | $74,758 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $958.43 | $4,153 | $49,839 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Shawnee) | $59.90 |
| 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 Shawnee, KS earn a median of $124,600 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.39% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 2.50% below the Kansas state average of $127,795.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $59.90/hr = $74,758/year (purchasing power: $82,242).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $124,596/year (purchasing power: $137,070).
CoL index: 90.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$49.10/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$58.18/hr
2026 Current Est.
$59.90/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Shawnee (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49.10/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $50.29/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $52.95/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $53.50/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $56.17/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $54.53/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $58.18/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59.90/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61.68/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Shawnee grew 18.5% from $49.10/hr (2019) to $58.18/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $61.68/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 Shawnee 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 Shawnee
Considering part-time work, an optometrist in Shawnee who picks up shifts three days a week could take home significantly less annually compared to their full-time counterparts. Per diem optometrists may charge between $500 and $800 per day at retail optical chains, with rates for fill-in positions in OD/MD practices reaching $700 to $1,200 daily, showcasing the potential for higher earnings on a per-diem basis. The choice of employer significantly influences hourly rates, with retail chains and ophthalmology practices offering distinct pay structures while also providing crucial benefits. While some optometrists may opt for lower hourly compensation in return for health insurance and other benefits, others might prioritize higher pay without these advantages. For those in Shawnee, understanding the nuances of pay structures and negotiating effectively could lead to a more favorable compensation package.
More salary data for Shawnee, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Shawnee. 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 Shawnee 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