Optometrist Hourly Pay in Monroe, LA: $58.86 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Monroe, LA runs $58.86 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $122,440 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Monroe's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.3, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $65.19 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $73,460 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Optometrists in Monroe, Louisiana, earn a median hourly rate of $58.86. This figure is notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $67.60, which places Monroe's compensation approximately 12.92% below the national average. For those considering part-time work, such as a schedule of three days a week, the earnings can still be substantial when factoring in the average hours worked. With the hourly rates ranging from $35.28 for entry-level positions to as high as $85.24 for seasoned practitioners, opportunities exist across a variety of practice environments, including private optometry offices, retail chains, and specialty clinics. However, these figures are based on estimates derived from projected annual salary data for 2026, and actual earnings may vary based on factors like experience and practice type.
About the Monroe 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) | $35.28 | $282.28 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48.97 | $391.74 |
| Median (P50) | $58.86 | $470.90 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $70.92 | $567.35 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $85.24 | $681.92 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Monroe
Based on $58.86/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $58.86/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Monroe, LA can expect to earn approximately $122,433 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $70,635. With a cost-of-living index of 90.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Monroe.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Monroe
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,354.49 | $10,203 | $122,433 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,412.69 | $6,122 | $73,460 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $941.80 | $4,081 | $48,973 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Monroe) | $58.86 |
| 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 Monroe, LA earn a median of $122,440 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.92% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 3.60% below the Louisiana state average of $127,012.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $58.86/hr = $73,460/year (purchasing power: $81,351).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $122,433/year (purchasing power: $135,585).
CoL index: 90.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$48.25/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$57.17/hr
2026 Current Est.
$58.86/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Monroe (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48.25/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $49.42/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $52.03/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $52.57/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $55.20/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $51.07/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $57.17/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58.86/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60.60/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Monroe grew 18.5% from $48.25/hr (2019) to $57.17/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $60.60/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 Monroe 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 Monroe
Beyond standard employment, per diem optometrists working in Monroe can capitalize on lucrative daily rates, often earning between $500 to $1,200 depending on the workplace setting. While working three days a week may net an optometrist around $73,000 annually, full-timers typically see significantly higher earnings, reinforcing the appeal of steady hours for those in private practices or hospitals. The diverse employment spectrum in Monroe, spanning retail outlets like LensCrafters to VA outpatient clinics, influences hourly rates. Moreover, optometrists balancing between higher hourly wages and benefits must weigh their options carefully. Those who accept lower pay might access health benefits unavailable in agency positions. Negotiation is key—familiarity with local employment trends and understanding your worth can empower practitioners to land advantageous terms, whether in per diem roles or full-time positions with benefits.
More salary data for Monroe, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Monroe in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Monroe?
Are optometrists in Monroe paid hourly or salary?
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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 Monroe. 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 Monroe 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