Optometrist Hourly Pay in Sulphur, LA: $56.45 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Sulphur, LA runs $56.45 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $117,411 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Sulphur's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.3, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $62.52 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $70,453 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Sulphur, Louisiana, the optometrist hourly pay stands at a median of $56.45, reflecting the unique local market dynamics. This rate is notably lower than the national hourly median of $67.60, suggesting a different economic landscape for practitioners in this area. For those considering part-time work, such as a three-day workweek, the hourly pay can provide a solid foundation, allowing for effective compensation in various environments including private optometry clinics, retail optical chains, and teaching hospitals. Entry-level optometrists may start around $33.98/hour, while more experienced practitioners can earn up to $78.24/hour, indicating a diverse earning potential that accommodates both new graduates and seasoned professionals.
About the Sulphur 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) | $33.98 | $271.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46.97 | $375.76 |
| Median (P50) | $56.45 | $451.62 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $66.22 | $529.79 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $78.24 | $625.91 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Sulphur
Based on $56.45/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $56.45/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Sulphur, LA can expect to earn approximately $117,422 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $67,744. With a cost-of-living index of 90.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Sulphur.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Sulphur
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,258.12 | $9,785 | $117,422 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,354.87 | $5,871 | $70,453 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $903.25 | $3,914 | $46,969 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Sulphur) | $56.45 |
| 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 Sulphur, LA earn a median of $117,411 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.50% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 7.50% below the Louisiana state average of $126,931.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $56.45/hr = $70,453/year (purchasing power: $78,021).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $117,422/year (purchasing power: $130,036).
CoL index: 90.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$46.27/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$54.83/hr
2026 Current Est.
$56.45/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Sulphur (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46.27/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $47.39/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $49.90/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $50.42/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $52.94/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $48.98/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $54.83/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56.45/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58.12/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Sulphur grew 18.5% from $46.27/hr (2019) to $54.83/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $58.12/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 Sulphur 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 Sulphur
Switching focus to specific working conditions, an optometrist in Sulphur working a part-time schedule of three days per week could take home around $44,000 annually if they average 24 hours of work weekly, a figure that diverges significantly from the full-time spectrum. For those opting for per diem roles, such as filling in at retail optical locations or private practices, the pay can vary widely; some optometrists may earn between $500 and $800 per day while working in retail chains, with higher fees of $700 to $1,200 available in OD/MD practices. Hospital-based positions can lead to even more lucrative opportunities, with residency-trained ocular disease specialists commanding $90 to $130 per hour. Understanding the nuances of pay across employer types—from solo practices to military medical systems—will help newly minted optometrists in Sulphur navigate their career paths more effectively. Pairing or negotiating higher hourly rates with fewer benefits can create a balance that suits individual priorities and financial needs.
More salary data for Sulphur, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Sulphur in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Sulphur?
Are optometrists in Sulphur paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Sulphur?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Sulphur?
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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 Sulphur. 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 Sulphur 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