Optometrist Hourly Pay in Novi, MI: $64.72 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Novi, MI runs $64.72 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $134,612 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Novi's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $69.44 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $80,771 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Novi, Michigan, the optometrist hourly pay is projected to be $64.72 in 2026, which falls slightly below the national median of $67.60. This hourly rate makes the profession appealing for various work arrangements, from full-time positions in private practices to part-time opportunities in retail optical chains or VA outpatient clinics. For example, an optometrist working three days a week can still earn a substantial income, while per-diem workers have the flexibility to choose assignments that best suit their schedules. The hourly range in the area spans from $37.54 at the entry-level to $95.89 for top earners, reflecting a diverse range of practice environments, including independent optometry exam rooms and retail settings like LensCrafters and Walmart Vision.
About the Novi 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) | $37.54 | $300.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52.49 | $419.91 |
| Median (P50) | $64.72 | $517.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78.58 | $628.63 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $95.89 | $767.09 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Novi
Based on $64.72/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $64.72/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Novi, MI can expect to earn approximately $134,619 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $77,665. With a cost-of-living index of 93.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Novi.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Novi
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,588.83 | $11,218 | $134,619 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,553.30 | $6,731 | $80,771 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,035.53 | $4,487 | $53,848 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Novi) | $64.72 |
| 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 Novi, MI earn a median of $134,612 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.27% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 2.30% below the Michigan state average of $137,781.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $64.72/hr = $80,771/year (purchasing power: $86,665).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $134,619/year (purchasing power: $144,441).
CoL index: 93.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$53.05/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$62.86/hr
2026 Current Est.
$64.72/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Novi (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53.05/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $54.34/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $57.21/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $57.81/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $60.69/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $56.93/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $62.86/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64.72/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66.64/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Novi grew 18.5% from $53.05/hr (2019) to $62.86/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $66.64/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 Novi 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 Novi
When examining the financial landscape for optometrists in Novi, the part-time earning potential for a 3-day work week can result in significant income. An optometrist clocking 24 hours weekly could expect a take-home exceeding $81,000 annually, based on the median hourly pay. For practitioners exploring per-diem positions, rates can vary widely; hourly work in retail may offer around $500-$800 per day, while more specialized roles in OD/MD practices can command up to $1,200 per day for fill-in positions. However, hourly rates often differ depending on the employer type. For instance, private practices may provide lower hourly rates with benefits, whereas retail chains or agency work could offer higher pay without health insurance. Understanding these nuances allows optometrists in Novi to negotiate effectively, balancing desired hourly compensation with the benefits that come from more traditional employment settings in the field.
More salary data for Novi, 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 Novi. 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 Novi 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