Optometrist Hourly Pay in Zachary, LA: $56.77 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Zachary, LA runs $56.77 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $118,090 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Zachary's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.3, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $62.87 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $70,852 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Zachary, LA, an optometrist earns a median hourly rate of $56.77, which is significantly lower than the national median of $67.60. This discrepancy reflects local economic factors and the cost of living index, which stands at 90.3, indicating a more affordable lifestyle compared to the national average. For those in part-time positions, like working three days a week, this translates to a competitive rate but may equate to a more modest overall income compared to full-time options. The hourly range for optometrists in Zachary spans from $34.66 for entry-level positions to approximately $81.11 for the most experienced professionals in various settings, including private optometry offices, retail optical chains, and even specialty clinics.
About the Zachary 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) | $34.66 | $277.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47.64 | $381.12 |
| Median (P50) | $56.77 | $454.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $64.92 | $519.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $81.11 | $648.90 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Zachary
Based on $56.77/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $56.77/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Zachary, LA can expect to earn approximately $118,086 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $68,127. With a cost-of-living index of 90.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Zachary.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Zachary
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,270.89 | $9,841 | $118,086 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,362.53 | $5,904 | $70,852 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $908.35 | $3,936 | $47,234 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Zachary) | $56.77 |
| 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 Zachary, LA earn a median of $118,090 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.02% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 7.00% below the Louisiana state average of $126,978.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $56.77/hr = $70,852/year (purchasing power: $78,462).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $118,086/year (purchasing power: $130,771).
CoL index: 90.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$46.53/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$55.14/hr
2026 Current Est.
$56.77/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Zachary (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46.53/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $47.66/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $50.19/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $50.71/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $53.24/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $49.26/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $55.14/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56.77/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58.45/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Zachary grew 18.5% from $46.53/hr (2019) to $55.14/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $58.45/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 Zachary 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 Zachary
Part-time optometrists in Zachary working a typical schedule of three days a week (24 hours) could realistically take home a little more than $70,000 annually, which is a stark contrast to those who operate full-time. Additionally, the reality for per-diem optometrists varies greatly; those filling in at retail chains might bill between $500 and $800 per day, while locum tenens professionals working in practice settings can command rates up to $1,200 per day. Hourly pay also shifts based on the type of employer, whether a solo practice or a larger ophthalmology group, leading to variations in compensation. Many optometrists must balance the choice between slightly lower hourly pay with associated health benefits or higher rates without insurance. When negotiating compensation in Zachary, it's beneficial for optometrists to present their experience and any residency training, particularly in a state where the scope of practice continues to broaden with procedural capabilities.
More salary data for Zachary, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Zachary in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Zachary?
Are optometrists in Zachary paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Zachary?
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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 Zachary. 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 Zachary 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