Optometrist Hourly Pay in Murray, KY: $56.46 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Murray, KY runs $56.46 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $117,442 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Murray's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.3, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $63.23 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $70,466 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Murray, KY, pays optometrists a median hourly rate of $56.46, which is significantly lower than the national hourly median of $67.60. This difference may impact those considering part-time or per-diem work within various settings, such as private optometry practices, retail optical chains, or VA outpatient clinics. For example, an optometrist working three days a week could expect to earn approximately $43,500 annually, while a per-diem optometrist could see variable hourly incomes based on the specific practice environment. With a range stretching from $35.07 for entry-level positions to $79.46 for the most experienced, the hourly pay in Murray reflects the dynamics of local demand and the type of practice, whether it is a solo or group practice, retail chain, or clinical environment.
About the Murray Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($122,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35.07 | $280.55 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47.77 | $382.19 |
| Median (P50) | $56.46 | $451.71 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $66.98 | $535.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $79.46 | $635.72 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Murray
Based on $56.46/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $56.46/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Murray, KY can expect to earn approximately $117,444 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $67,756. With a cost-of-living index of 89.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Murray.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Murray
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,258.53 | $9,787 | $117,444 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,355.12 | $5,872 | $70,466 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $903.41 | $3,915 | $46,977 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Murray) | $56.46 |
| 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 Murray, KY earn a median of $117,442 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.48% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 6.50% below the Kentucky state average of $125,607.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $56.46/hr = $70,466/year (purchasing power: $78,909).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $117,444/year (purchasing power: $131,516).
CoL index: 89.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$46.28/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$54.84/hr
2026 Current Est.
$56.46/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Murray (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46.28/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $47.40/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $49.91/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $50.43/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $52.95/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $48.99/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $54.84/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56.46/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58.13/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Murray grew 18.5% from $46.28/hr (2019) to $54.84/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $58.13/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 Murray 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 Murray
The appeal of part-time opportunities often lies in the balance between work-life integration and financial compensation. A three-day workweek can yield decent annual income, yet the trade-off becomes sharper for those exploring per diem optometrist pay in Murray. Fill-in optometrists at retail chains typically command rates from $500 to $800 per day, while those at ophthalmology practices may charge $700 to $1,200 daily. Additionally, residency-trained ocular disease optometrists working at hospital systems can earn about $90 to $130/hour. Rates differ across employer types: private practices may offer stable pay but less flexibility compared to retail chains or VA medical centers, which might provide benefits like health insurance in lieu of higher wages. When negotiating hourly pay, it’s beneficial to consider these factors—balancing immediate financial needs against long-term career benefits and potential job satisfaction Engaging with local organizations, such as the AOA, can provide insights into prevailing practices and help determine optimal negotiation strategies in the Murray area.
More salary data for Murray, KY:
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 Murray. 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 Murray 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