Optometrist Hourly Pay in Port Huron, MI: $65.42 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Port Huron, MI runs $65.42 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $136,072 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Port Huron's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $70.19 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $81,645 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the optometrist hourly pay in Port Huron, Michigan, is projected to be $65.42, slightly below the national median hourly rate of $67.60. For those considering part-time work—such as a three-day work week—this translates to a solid income that can comfortably support someone’s living expenses while also allowing for flexibility in scheduling. Common work environments include private optometry exam rooms, retail optical chain mall locations, and VA outpatient eye clinics. The hourly range varies significantly based on experience, from approximately $37.94 for entry-level positions to $91.48 for top earners as they progress through their careers. It’s notable that these hourly rates are derived from estimated annual salary figures, which reflect the broad financial picture for optometrists operating in Port Huron.
About the Port Huron 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) | $37.94 | $303.53 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52.38 | $419.01 |
| Median (P50) | $65.42 | $523.37 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78.29 | $626.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $91.48 | $731.84 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Port Huron
Based on $65.42/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $65.42/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Port Huron, MI can expect to earn approximately $136,075 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $78,505. With a cost-of-living index of 93.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Port Huron.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Port Huron
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,616.83 | $11,340 | $136,075 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,570.10 | $6,804 | $81,645 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,046.73 | $4,536 | $54,430 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Port Huron) | $65.42 |
| 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 Port Huron, MI earn a median of $136,072 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.23% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 1.20% below the Michigan state average of $137,725.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $65.42/hr = $81,645/year (purchasing power: $87,602).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $136,075/year (purchasing power: $146,003).
CoL index: 93.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$53.62/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$63.54/hr
2026 Current Est.
$65.42/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Port Huron (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53.62/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $54.92/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $57.83/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $58.43/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $61.35/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $57.55/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $63.54/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65.42/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67.36/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Port Huron grew 18.5% from $53.62/hr (2019) to $63.54/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $67.36/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 Port Huron 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 Port Huron
When examining the financial realities for part-time optometrists in Port Huron, someone working 24 hours weekly can expect much lower annual earnings than their full-time counterparts, making hourly compensation critically important for budgeting. Per diem optometrists can typically command much higher daily rates, with retail chain fill-ins earning between $500-$800 per day, and those in OD/MD practices earning significantly more—up to $1,200 per day for specialized positions. These variations emphasize how hourly rates differ across employer types, from private practices to retail optical chains and military health systems. Many optometrists weigh the benefits of higher hourly rates against the security that comes from employee benefits. Negotiating effectively in this market involves understanding the specific compensation models and being aware of what different employers provide, such as health insurance or retirement plans, to find a balance that suits individual circumstances and career goals.
More salary data for Port Huron, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Port Huron in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Port Huron?
Are optometrists in Port Huron paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Port Huron?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Port Huron?
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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 Port Huron. 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 Port Huron 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