Optometrist Hourly Pay in Dearborn, MI: $70.27 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Dearborn, MI runs $70.27 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $146,156 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Dearborn's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $75.40 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $87,697 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Optometrists in Dearborn, Michigan, enjoy a median hourly rate of $70.27, which is notably higher than the national average of $67.60. This competitive pay reflects the demand for eye care professionals in the area and represents opportunities not just for full-time positions but also for part-time or per-diem work. For individuals working part-time, such as three days a week, this hourly rate can translate into substantial weekly earnings, depending on the number of hours worked. Entry-level optometrists can expect to earn around $40.75 per hour, while those with more experience or in higher-paying environments might reach up to $107.10 per hour, tapping into a diverse range of settings like retail optical chains, private practices, or VA outpatient clinics. These figures give potential optometrists a clear picture of the financial landscape in which they will operate.
About the Dearborn Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($130,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40.75 | $326.01 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55.54 | $444.29 |
| Median (P50) | $70.27 | $562.16 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $86.92 | $695.35 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $107.10 | $856.79 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Dearborn
Based on $70.27/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $70.27/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Dearborn, MI can expect to earn approximately $146,162 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $84,324. With a cost-of-living index of 93.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Dearborn.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Dearborn
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,810.81 | $12,180 | $146,162 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,686.48 | $7,308 | $87,697 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,124.32 | $4,872 | $58,465 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Dearborn) | $70.27 |
| 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 Dearborn, MI earn a median of $146,156 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.94% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 6.10% above the Michigan state average of $137,753.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $70.27/hr = $87,697/year (purchasing power: $94,096).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $146,162/year (purchasing power: $156,826).
CoL index: 93.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$57.60/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$68.25/hr
2026 Current Est.
$70.27/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Dearborn (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57.60/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $58.99/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $62.12/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $62.76/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $65.90/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $58.53/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $68.25/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70.27/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72.35/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Dearborn grew 18.5% from $57.60/hr (2019) to $68.25/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $72.35/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 Dearborn 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 Dearborn
For part-time optometrists in Dearborn, working just three days a week at 24 hours total can lead to an annual income that significantly contrasts with full-timers, providing flexibility and work-life balance. Per diem optometrists often see varied pay rates depending on the setting; for instance, those filling in at retail chains typically bill between $500 and $800 per day, while locum tenens optometrists at practice settings may earn $700 to $1,200 daily. The remuneration for residency-trained ocular disease professionals can reach $90 to $130 per hour when working in hospital systems. However, the choice of employer can greatly influence hourly pay: private practices may offer lower rates compared to retail chains but provide benefits like health insurance, appealing to those wanting job stability. When negotiating, optometrists should clearly evaluate their priorities, knowing that while higher hourly wages may be enticing, the absence of benefits could be a disadvantage in the long run.
More salary data for Dearborn, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Dearborn in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Dearborn?
Are optometrists in Dearborn paid hourly or salary?
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Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Dearborn?
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 Dearborn. 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 Dearborn 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