Optometrist Hourly Pay in Topeka, KS: $64.81 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Topeka, KS runs $64.81 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $134,806 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Topeka's regional price level (BEA RPP 88.8, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $72.97 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $80,887 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Topeka, Kansas, the optometrist hourly pay stands at a median of $64.81, which positions it below the national hourly median of $67.60. This wage provides a solid foundation for both part-time and per-diem workers, particularly those operating in private optometry exam rooms, retail optical chains, or even university teaching clinics. For a part-time optometrist working three days a week, potential earnings can range from an estimated $41.47 (entry-level) to as much as $95.39 (top earners), making this profession appealing to those who prefer flexible schedules and the option of per-diem work arrangements. These figures are based on official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data and reflect the diverse pay structure within the optometry field in Topeka.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41.47 | $331.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $61.52 | $492.15 |
| Median (P50) | $64.81 | $518.51 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78.38 | $627.07 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $95.39 | $763.14 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Topeka
Based on $64.81/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $64.81/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Topeka, KS can expect to earn approximately $134,812 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $77,776. With a cost-of-living index of 88.82 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Topeka.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Topeka
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,592.53 | $11,234 | $134,812 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,555.52 | $6,741 | $80,887 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,037.01 | $4,494 | $53,925 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Topeka) | $64.81 |
| 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 Topeka, KS earn a median of $134,806 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.13% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 5.50% above the Kansas state average of $127,778.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $64.81/hr = $80,887/year (purchasing power: $91,068).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $134,812/year (purchasing power: $151,781).
CoL index: 88.82 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$55.81/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$62.95/hr
2026 Current Est.
$64.81/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+19.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Topeka (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55.81/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $48.28/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $48.04/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $57.89/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $60.78/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $61.79/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $62.95/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64.81/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66.73/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Topeka grew 12.8% from $55.81/hr (2019) to $62.95/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $66.73/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 Topeka 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 Topeka
The earning prospects for part-time optometrists can greatly influence annual income outcomes compared to their full-time counterparts. A part-time optometrist who works for three days per week might take home approximately $75,000 annually, a substantial income for a part-time role. Per diem optometrists in Topeka often experience a different financial landscape. Rates for per diem work range widely; retail chains typically pay between $500 to $800 per day, while ODs filling in at practices may command $700 to $1,200 per day. Residency-trained ocular disease doctors at hospitals may see rates between $90 and $130 per hour. Various employment types in Topeka can lead to fluctuating pay rates. Positions in private optometry practices or retail optical chains differ from those in surgical settings, prompting some optometrists to choose lower hourly wages in exchange for health benefits. For those eyeing a lucrative contract in Topeka, negotiating hours and rates effectively is essential, particularly as healthcare roles evolve with expansions in optometry's scope of practice.
More salary data for Topeka, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Topeka in 2026?
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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 Topeka. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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