Optometrist Hourly Pay in Portage, MI: $63.60 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Portage, MI runs $63.60 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $132,279 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Portage's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $68.24 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $79,371 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Portage, Michigan, the optometrist hourly rate stands at $63.60, which reflects a 5.93% decrease compared to the national median of $67.60. This rate provides a solid base for various work arrangements, particularly for those who prefer part-time roles or per-diem positions. Part-time optometrists, working around three days a week in settings like private practices or retail optical chains, can navigate their earnings effectively while enjoying more flexibility. The hourly range is noteworthy, varying from $36.89 for entry-level positions to $91.98 for top earners. As these figures are derived from annual salary estimates, they provide a snapshot of potential earnings while indicating opportunities for growth in diverse environments within Portage's optometric field.
About the Portage 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) | $36.89 | $295.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.42 | $411.35 |
| Median (P50) | $63.60 | $508.79 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76.59 | $612.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $91.98 | $735.88 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Portage
Based on $63.60/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $63.60/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Portage, MI can expect to earn approximately $132,285 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $76,318. With a cost-of-living index of 93.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Portage.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Portage
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,543.94 | $11,024 | $132,285 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,526.36 | $6,614 | $79,371 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,017.57 | $4,409 | $52,914 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Portage) | $63.60 |
| 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 Portage, MI earn a median of $132,279 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.93% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 4.00% below the Michigan state average of $137,791.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $63.60/hr = $79,371/year (purchasing power: $85,162).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $132,285/year (purchasing power: $141,936).
CoL index: 93.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$52.13/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$61.77/hr
2026 Current Est.
$63.60/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Portage (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52.13/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $53.39/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $56.22/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $56.80/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $59.64/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $55.09/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $61.77/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63.60/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65.48/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Portage grew 18.5% from $52.13/hr (2019) to $61.77/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $65.48/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 Portage 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 Portage
Exploring the compensation structure for part-time optometrists reveals that a typical three-day workweek (24 hours) could yield significant annual earnings, although it pales compared to full-time opportunities. Per-diem optometrists can experience lucrative earning potential, often billing between $500 to $800 per day in retail chains, with OD/MD practices offering even higher rates, typically ranging from $700 to $1,200 daily. Hourly rates can also differ widely based on the employer type in Portage, with private practices sometimes paying less for the trade-off of stable health benefits. Those working under vision insurance plans or in VA medical centers might see different compensations compared to their retail counterparts, as private equity firms increasingly acquire optical practices. For optometrists negotiating their hourly pay, understanding the specifics of employer benefits versus higher pay rates without insurance can be valuable; sharpening negotiation skills can make a difference in actual take-home pay.
More salary data for Portage, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Portage in 2026?
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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 Portage. 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 Portage 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