Optometrist Hourly Pay in Royal Oak, MI: $65.40 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Royal Oak, MI runs $65.40 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $136,041 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Royal Oak's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $70.17 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $81,619 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Royal Oak, MI, the optometrist hourly pay is projected to be $65.40 in 2026, slightly below the national median of $67.60 per hour. This rate is reflective of various employment settings, from private optometry exam rooms and retail optical chains to VA outpatient clinics. For part-time optometrists working three days a week, this hourly pay translates to a meaningful income, especially for those seeking flexibility or a balance between work and personal life. With an estimated hourly range of $38.40 at entry-level to $98.11 for top earners, the local market accommodates a wide spectrum of experience levels, making the profession accessible for new graduates while still rewarding experienced practitioners.
About the Royal Oak 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) | $38.40 | $307.23 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53.87 | $430.95 |
| Median (P50) | $65.40 | $523.20 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $80.29 | $642.31 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $98.11 | $784.88 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Royal Oak
Based on $65.40/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $65.40/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Royal Oak, MI can expect to earn approximately $136,032 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $78,480. With a cost-of-living index of 93.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Royal Oak.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Royal Oak
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,616.01 | $11,336 | $136,032 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,569.60 | $6,802 | $81,619 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,046.40 | $4,534 | $54,413 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Royal Oak) | $65.40 |
| 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 Royal Oak, MI earn a median of $136,041 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.25% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 1.20% below the Michigan state average of $137,693.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $65.40/hr = $81,619/year (purchasing power: $87,575).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $136,032/year (purchasing power: $145,958).
CoL index: 93.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$53.60/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$63.52/hr
2026 Current Est.
$65.40/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Royal Oak (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53.60/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $54.91/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $57.81/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $58.41/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $61.33/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $57.54/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $63.52/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65.40/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67.34/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Royal Oak grew 18.5% from $53.60/hr (2019) to $63.52/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $67.34/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 Royal Oak 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 Royal Oak
Part-time optometrists working on a schedule of 24 hours a week could realistically earn around $84,672 annually at this hourly rate, providing a viable income compared to full-time colleagues. Those opting for per-diem work are likely to see varied earnings, with fill-in optometrists billing $500-$800 per day at retail locations, while more specialized roles in hospital systems may command $90-$130 per hour. The differences in hourly rates can be notable across employer types in Royal Oak. While private practices typically offer stable income with benefits, retail chains and agency work often pay a premium but usually come without health insurance. Given this trade-off, negotiations can be key for hourly workers in the area; being aware of overall compensation, including benefits, can help optometrists make informed choices that align with their career goals and personal needs.
More salary data for Royal Oak, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 Royal Oak. 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 Royal Oak 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