Optometrist Hourly Pay in Livonia, MI: $65.23 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Livonia, 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 Livonia's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $69.98 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $81,401 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Livonia, the optometrist hourly pay is projected at $65.23 in 2026, which is slightly lower than the national hourly median of $67.60. This figure highlights the earning potential for both full-time and part-time optometrists in area settings, which include private exam rooms, retail optical chains, and outpatient clinics. Part-time optometrists working three days a week can expect to earn a steady income, particularly in environments like university teaching clinics or VA outpatient services. For entry-level positions, hourly rates start around $37.83, while seasoned professionals can take home up to $93.51, underscoring the extensive range within this career field. These estimates are derived from annual salary figures, converted to reflect the fluctuation in hourly rates specific to Livonia's occupational landscape.
About the Livonia 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) | $37.83 | $302.62 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53.51 | $428.07 |
| Median (P50) | $65.23 | $521.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $77.32 | $618.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $93.51 | $748.07 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Livonia
Based on $65.23/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $65.23/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Livonia, 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 93.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Livonia.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Livonia
| 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 (Livonia) | $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 Livonia, 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: $87,340).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $135,668/year (purchasing power: $145,567).
CoL index: 93.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$53.46/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$63.35/hr
2026 Current Est.
$65.23/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Livonia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53.46/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $54.76/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $57.66/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $58.26/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $61.17/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $57.38/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 Livonia grew 18.5% from $53.46/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 Livonia 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 Livonia
Looking at the broader spectrum of earnings in Livonia, part-time optometrists working a 24-hour week typically make significantly less annually compared to their full-time counterparts. Per diem optometrists are often attracted to the lucrative nature of this work, charging between $500 and $800 per day at retail chains, whereas those filling in at OD/MD practices may command $700 to $1,200 per day. Residency-trained optometrists in hospital systems can earn between $90 and $130 per hour, reflecting the premium associated with specialized training. Hourly rates can also vary depending on the type of employer, with private practices, retail optical chains, and ophthalmology clinics offering differing compensation packages. Optometrists may face the challenge of negotiating lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance, a consideration that often impacts career decisions. Understanding these dynamics can prove invaluable for those navigating optometrist hourly rate MI and optimizing their earning potential in an evolving industry.
More salary data for Livonia, 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 Livonia. 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 Livonia 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