Optometrist Hourly Pay in Lafayette, LA: $62.66 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Lafayette, LA runs $62.66 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $130,331 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Lafayette's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.3, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $69.39 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $78,201 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lafayette, Louisiana, the optometrist hourly pay is projected to be $62.66 in 2026, reflecting a rate slightly below the national median of $67.60 per hour. This hourly wage translates to a variety of working arrangements for optometrists in the area, particularly for part-time roles or per-diem positions. For a part-time optometrist working three days a week, this means a substantial income while still balancing personal commitments. The expected hourly range extends from $36.34 for entry-level positions to $92.02 for those at the top of their field, emphasizing potential earnings across various optometry settings, including private examination rooms, retail optical chains, and institutional practices. Given the estimated nature of these figures, they offer insight into earning opportunities available to optometrists across Lafayette.
About the Lafayette Market
Salary estimated from Louisiana average ($122,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36.34 | $290.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.12 | $408.96 |
| Median (P50) | $62.66 | $501.29 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $75.24 | $601.95 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $92.02 | $736.12 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lafayette
Based on $62.66/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $62.66/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lafayette, LA can expect to earn approximately $130,336 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $75,194. With a cost-of-living index of 90.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lafayette.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lafayette
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,506.46 | $10,861 | $130,336 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,503.87 | $6,517 | $78,201 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,002.58 | $4,345 | $52,134 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Lafayette) | $62.66 |
| 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 Lafayette, LA earn a median of $130,331 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.31% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 2.60% above the Louisiana state average of $127,028.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $62.66/hr = $78,201/year (purchasing power: $86,602).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $130,336/year (purchasing power: $144,336).
CoL index: 90.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$51.36/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$60.86/hr
2026 Current Est.
$62.66/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Lafayette (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51.36/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $52.61/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $55.39/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $60.57/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $64.19/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $54.36/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $60.86/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62.66/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64.52/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Lafayette grew 18.5% from $51.36/hr (2019) to $60.86/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $64.52/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 Lafayette 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 Lafayette
For those opting for a part-time schedule, a three-day workweek could yield significant annual earnings compared to full-time roles, yet this varies based on the employer. Per diem opportunities in Lafayette offer varying compensation; for instance, optometrists filling in at retail chains can earn between $500 and $800 per day, while those providing coverage in OD/MD practices may bill between $700 and $1,200 daily. The type of practice significantly impacts the hourly rate, as employment at private optometry practices or large retail chains can yield different financial incentives. Additionally, while some optometrists may choose lower hourly pay for the benefits (such as health insurance) that come with full-time positions, others may prioritize higher per diem rates to meet their income goals without the commitment of a regular schedule. As such, effective negotiation techniques are valuable for hourly workers, enabling them to maximize their earnings based on the specific conditions of their employment in Lafayette.
More salary data for Lafayette, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Lafayette in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Lafayette?
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How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Lafayette?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Lafayette?
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 Lafayette. 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 Lafayette 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