Optometrist Hourly Pay in Kalamazoo, MI: $65.23 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Kalamazoo, MI runs $65.23 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $135,670 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Kalamazoo's regional price level (BEA RPP 94.8, 5% below national), each hour of work buys what $68.77 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $81,401 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Kalamazoo, Michigan, the projected median optometrist hourly pay in 2026 is $65.23, slightly below the national median hourly rate of $67.60. This figure presents a viable earning potential, especially for those working part-time or as per-diem optometrists. For example, a part-time optometrist working three days a week could expect to earn a considerable sum even on a reduced schedule, while per-diem workers might find diverse opportunities in various clinical settings, including private practices, retail optical chains, and outpatient clinics. Entry-level optometrists in Kalamazoo have an hourly rate around $51.44, whereas top earners can achieve as much as $81.53 per hour, showing a clear spectrum of compensation reflecting experience and practice type. The official Bureau of Labor Statistics data gives a well-rounded overview of the earnings landscape in this profession.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $51.44 | $411.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $62.55 | $500.39 |
| Median (P50) | $65.23 | $521.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78.11 | $624.84 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $81.53 | $652.27 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kalamazoo
Based on $65.23/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $65.23/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kalamazoo, MI can expect to earn approximately $135,668 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $78,270. With a cost-of-living index of 94.84 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Kalamazoo.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kalamazoo
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,609.01 | $11,306 | $135,668 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,565.40 | $6,783 | $81,401 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,043.60 | $4,522 | $54,267 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Kalamazoo) | $65.23 |
| 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 Kalamazoo, MI earn a median of $135,670 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.51% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 1.50% below the Michigan state average of $137,736.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $65.23/hr = $81,401/year (purchasing power: $85,830).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $135,668/year (purchasing power: $143,050).
CoL index: 94.84 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$43.88/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$63.35/hr
2026 Current Est.
$65.23/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Kalamazoo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43.88/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $54.76/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $59.48/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $58.24/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $61.53/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $62.90/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $63.35/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65.23/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67.16/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Kalamazoo grew 44.4% from $43.88/hr (2019) to $63.35/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $67.16/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 Kalamazoo 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 Kalamazoo
When evaluating the earning potential for a part-time optometrist in Kalamazoo, working a typical 24-hour week could result in annual earnings significantly lower than a full-time counterpart. For instance, a three-day workweek might yield $80,000 in total income, significantly enhancing work-life balance. Per-diem optometrists leverage their flexibility, often billing between $500 and $800 per day at retail optical locations, while those filling in at OD/MD practices can charge $700 to $1,200 per day. Residency-trained optometrists specializing in ocular disease may also command rates between $90 and $130 per hour in hospital systems, further illustrating how employer type can heavily influence pay. Optometrists in Kalamazoo must also consider benefits; accepting a slightly lower hourly rate in exchange for health insurance and other perks might be a trade-off some may choose, especially in private practice settings. For those negotiating their salaries, understanding the local job market, including potential employers like LensCrafters or military health systems, can lead to more favorable contract terms in this diverse and evolving field.
More salary data for Kalamazoo, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Kalamazoo in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Kalamazoo?
Are optometrists in Kalamazoo paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Kalamazoo?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Kalamazoo?
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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 Kalamazoo. 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, 6-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