Optometrist Hourly Pay in Mount Pleasant, MI: $61.77 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Mount Pleasant, MI runs $61.77 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $128,477 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Mount Pleasant's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $66.27 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $77,084 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Mount Pleasant, optometrists earn a median hourly rate of $61.77, which is lower than the national median of $67.60 per hour. This wage creates distinct earning potentials for various work arrangements—those working part-time, such as three days a week, can expect a decent income while maintaining a flexible schedule in settings like private optometry exam rooms, retail optical chains, and university teaching clinics. For hourly workers, the pay scale ranges significantly; entry-level optometrists start at around $38.02, while the top earners can reach up to $86.47 per hour. These figures are derived from annual salary estimations, reflecting the broader dynamics of the profession, as optometry continues to adapt to changing needs and patient care models in the region.
About the Mount Pleasant 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) | $38.02 | $304.19 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52.06 | $416.45 |
| Median (P50) | $61.77 | $494.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $70.85 | $566.77 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $86.47 | $691.73 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Mount Pleasant
Based on $61.77/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $61.77/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Mount Pleasant, MI can expect to earn approximately $128,473 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $74,119. With a cost-of-living index of 93.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Mount Pleasant.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Mount Pleasant
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,470.63 | $10,706 | $128,473 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,482.38 | $6,424 | $77,084 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $988.25 | $4,282 | $51,389 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Mount Pleasant) | $61.77 |
| 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 Mount Pleasant, MI earn a median of $128,477 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.63% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 6.70% below the Michigan state average of $137,703.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $61.77/hr = $77,084/year (purchasing power: $82,708).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $128,473/year (purchasing power: $137,846).
CoL index: 93.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$50.62/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$59.99/hr
2026 Current Est.
$61.77/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Mount Pleasant (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50.62/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $51.85/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $54.60/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $55.17/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $57.92/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $54.34/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $59.99/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61.77/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63.59/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Mount Pleasant grew 18.5% from $50.62/hr (2019) to $59.99/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $63.59/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 Mount Pleasant 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 Mount Pleasant
Looking at part-time income, an optometrist working three days per week (approximately 24 hours) could generate a gross income of about $76,300 annually, a figure that highlights the attractive flexibility of the role compared to those committed full-time. For those opting for per diem or locum tenens positions, the financial picture shifts; rates can vary dramatically, as fill-in optometrists often earn between $500 and $800 per day at retail chains, while those in OD/MD practice settings might command $700 to $1,200 daily. Factors like location and employer type—ranging from private practices to retail chains like LensCrafters and Walmart Vision, as well as VA medical centers—further influence the pay rates. While some optometrists may accept lower hourly wages for the benefit of health insurance and job security, others may prefer the higher per diem rates accompanied by the risks of inconsistent work. For those in Mount Pleasant negotiating for pay, it’s essential to consider both the immediate hourly compensation and potential long-term benefits when assessing job offers.
More salary data for Mount Pleasant, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Mount Pleasant in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Mount Pleasant?
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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 Mount Pleasant. 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 Mount Pleasant 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