Optometrist Hourly Pay in Romulus, MI: $61.23 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Romulus, MI runs $61.23 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $127,369 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Romulus's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $65.70 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $76,415 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, optometrists in Romulus, Michigan, earn a median hourly rate of $61.23, which is lower than the national median of $67.60. This hourly figure suggests significant earning potential for both part-time and per-diem workers in various settings including private optometry practices, retail optical chains, and VA clinics. For those working three days a week, the income can be quite substantial, especially when one takes into account the hourly range, which spans from $36.87 at the 10th percentile to $84.89 at the 90th percentile. This wide range indicates that newly licensed optometrists and those in entry-level positions may begin their careers on the lower end, whereas seasoned practitioners or those with specialized training could command higher rates in Romulus.
About the Romulus 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) | $36.87 | $294.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.97 | $407.72 |
| Median (P50) | $61.23 | $489.84 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $71.85 | $574.76 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $84.89 | $679.12 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Romulus
Based on $61.23/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $61.23/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Romulus, MI can expect to earn approximately $127,359 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $73,476. With a cost-of-living index of 93.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Romulus.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Romulus
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,449.21 | $10,613 | $127,359 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,469.53 | $6,368 | $76,415 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $979.68 | $4,245 | $50,944 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Romulus) | $61.23 |
| 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 Romulus, MI earn a median of $127,369 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.42% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 7.50% below the Michigan state average of $137,696.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $61.23/hr = $76,415/year (purchasing power: $81,991).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $127,359/year (purchasing power: $136,651).
CoL index: 93.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$50.19/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$59.47/hr
2026 Current Est.
$61.23/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Romulus (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50.19/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $51.41/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $54.13/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $54.69/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $57.42/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $53.87/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $59.47/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61.23/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63.04/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Romulus grew 18.5% from $50.19/hr (2019) to $59.47/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $63.04/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 Romulus 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 Romulus
The earning dynamics for part-time optometrists are particularly noteworthy. Working three days a week (approximately 24 hours) allows an optometrist to take home around $76,547 annually, a fraction of what full-time colleagues earn but still an attractive option for many. Additionally, the per diem landscape offers lucrative opportunities, with daily rates ranging from $500 to $800 at retail chains and $700 to $1,200 at OD/MD practices. Residency-trained optometrists may find themselves billed at $90 to $130 per hour, emphasizing the importance of specialization. Hourly rates significantly differ based on the type of employer; private practices might offer lower rates compared to retail chains or hospital systems, where benefits could additionally influence choices. Negotiating compensation in Romulus requires balancing immediate income against long-term benefits such as health insurance, securing a strategic position within the evolving optometry field as practices adapt to expanding scopes of practice and market dynamics.
More salary data for Romulus, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Romulus in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Romulus?
Are optometrists in Romulus paid hourly or salary?
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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 Romulus. 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 Romulus 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