Optometrist Hourly Pay in Detroit, MI: $70.63 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Detroit, MI runs $70.63 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $146,914 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Detroit's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.3, 0% above national), each hour of work buys what $70.42 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $88,147 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Detroit, MI, the optometrist hourly pay reaches a median rate of $70.63, surpassing the national hourly median of $67.60. This competitive rate presents compelling opportunities for both part-time and per-diem optometrists, often working in varied settings such as private exam rooms, retail optical chains, and VA outpatient clinics. As the hourly range spans from $58.04 at the lower end (P10) to $105.85 at the top (P90), optometrists can adjust their work schedules to fit their personal needs while still maintaining a healthy income. The ability to earn a substantial hourly wage makes the profession appealing, especially with the projected growth rate of 2.96% in the coming years, indicating a steady demand for such expertise in the region.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $58.04 | $464.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $65.24 | $521.88 |
| Median (P50) | $70.63 | $565.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $82.41 | $659.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $105.85 | $846.83 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Detroit
Based on $70.63/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $70.63/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Detroit, MI can expect to earn approximately $146,912 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $84,757. With a cost-of-living index of 100.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Detroit.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Detroit
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,825.22 | $12,243 | $146,912 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,695.13 | $7,346 | $88,147 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,130.09 | $4,897 | $58,765 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Detroit) | $70.63 |
| 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 Detroit, MI earn a median of $146,914 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.48% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 6.70% above the Michigan state average of $137,688.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $70.63/hr = $88,147/year (purchasing power: $87,885).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $146,912/year (purchasing power: $146,475).
CoL index: 100.298 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$60.49/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$68.60/hr
2026 Current Est.
$70.63/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Detroit (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60.49/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $65.90/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $61.62/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $65.03/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $63.69/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $65.41/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $68.60/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70.63/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72.72/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Detroit grew 13.4% from $60.49/hr (2019) to $68.60/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $72.72/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 Detroit 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 Detroit
Exploring the earning potential for part-time work, an optometrist working three days a week for a total of 24 hours would have a different financial picture compared to a full-time position. For instance, part-time practitioners can anticipate an annual income reflective of their reduced hours, which can still be significant based on the lucrative hourly rates. Per diem optometrists in the Detroit area often command impressive daily rates, typically ranging from $500-$800 when working with retail chains, while fill-in positions at OD/MD practices can yield between $700-$1,200 a day. The choice of employer type can significantly impact hourly earnings; for example, practitioners at private practices often earn differently compared to those in military health systems or larger retail chains due to specific benefits associated with each setting. Some optometrists may prefer the stability and benefits of traditional employment despite potentially lower hourly pay, while others could prioritize higher pay without benefits for greater flexibility. Negotiating these factors effectively can play a vital role in securing favorable working conditions within Detroit's evolving optometry landscape.
More salary data for Detroit, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Detroit. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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