Optometrist Hourly Pay in Pontiac, MI: $63.94 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Pontiac, MI runs $63.94 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $132,998 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Pontiac's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $68.60 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $79,795 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pontiac, MI, the optometrist hourly rate in 2026 is projected to be $63.94, which is slightly below the national median of $67.60 per hour. This figure is especially significant for part-time and per-diem optometrists working in various settings, such as private exam rooms, retail optical chains, and outpatient clinics. For those working a typical part-time schedule of three days a week, this hourly rate translates to a steady income while maintaining flexibility. The hourly range in Pontiac spans from an entry-level rate of $37.09 to $93.22 for the top-earning professionals. These estimates are derived from annual salary projections, which reflect the evolving compensation trends in the optometry field amidst changes in healthcare delivery and practice dynamics.
About the Pontiac 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) | $37.09 | $296.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.94 | $407.56 |
| Median (P50) | $63.94 | $511.51 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76.73 | $613.81 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $93.22 | $745.76 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pontiac
Based on $63.94/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $63.94/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pontiac, MI can expect to earn approximately $132,991 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $76,726. With a cost-of-living index of 93.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Pontiac.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pontiac
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,557.53 | $11,083 | $132,991 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,534.52 | $6,650 | $79,795 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,023.01 | $4,433 | $53,197 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Pontiac) | $63.94 |
| 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 Pontiac, MI earn a median of $132,998 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.41% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 3.40% below the Michigan state average of $137,679.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $63.94/hr = $79,795/year (purchasing power: $85,617).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $132,991/year (purchasing power: $142,695).
CoL index: 93.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$52.41/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$62.10/hr
2026 Current Est.
$63.94/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Pontiac (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52.41/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $53.68/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $56.52/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $57.11/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $59.96/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $56.25/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $62.10/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63.94/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65.83/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Pontiac grew 18.5% from $52.41/hr (2019) to $62.10/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $65.83/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 Pontiac 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 Pontiac
Considering part-time roles, an optometrist working three days per week, totaling around 24 hours, can expect to earn a substantially lower annual income compared to their full-time counterparts, significantly impacting their financial stability. For those in per-diem positions, filling in at retail optical chains can yield between $500 and $800 per day, whereas locum tenens optometrists at OD/MD practices may command $700 to $1,200 daily. Notably, residency-trained optometrists in specialized hospital settings often earn a competitive $90 to $130 per hour, reflecting the increasing demand for advanced training. Compensation varies considerably among different employment types in Pontiac; private practices may offer lower hourly rates but improved benefits, while retail chains could command higher hourly rates without additional perks. Optometrists should weigh their options carefully, considering the balance between higher hourly wages and benefits like health insurance when pursuing opportunities. Bargaining from a position of professional strength—gathering market data and understanding local norms—can enhance their prospects in negotiations.
More salary data for Pontiac, 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 Pontiac. 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 Pontiac 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