Optometrist Hourly Pay in Waterford, MI: $64.62 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Waterford, MI runs $64.62 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $134,405 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Waterford's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $69.33 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $80,643 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Waterford, Michigan, the optometrist hourly pay stands at a median of $64.62, which reflects a slight difference compared to the national median of $67.60. This hourly wage allows for various employment arrangements, especially for part-time optometrists working three days a week, who can earn a competitive rate while maintaining flexibility. Employers in this field range from private practices and retail optical chains to ophthalmology clinics and VA outpatient facilities, each providing specific environments for optometrists. The hourly range is quite broad, with entry-level positions starting around $37.48 and experienced optometrists potentially earning up to $95.55 per hour. These estimated rates give a comprehensive view of the employment landscape and earning potential for those in this profession.
About the Waterford 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) | $37.48 | $299.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52.28 | $418.26 |
| Median (P50) | $64.62 | $516.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78.34 | $626.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $95.55 | $764.38 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Waterford
Based on $64.62/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $64.62/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Waterford, MI can expect to earn approximately $134,405 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $77,541. With a cost-of-living index of 93.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Waterford.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Waterford
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,584.71 | $11,200 | $134,405 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,550.82 | $6,720 | $80,643 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,033.88 | $4,480 | $53,762 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Waterford) | $64.62 |
| 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 Waterford, MI earn a median of $134,405 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.41% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 2.40% below the Michigan state average of $137,710.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $64.62/hr = $80,643/year (purchasing power: $86,527).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $134,405/year (purchasing power: $144,211).
CoL index: 93.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$52.96/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$62.76/hr
2026 Current Est.
$64.62/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Waterford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52.96/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $54.25/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $57.12/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $57.71/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $60.60/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $56.84/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $62.76/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64.62/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66.53/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Waterford grew 18.5% from $52.96/hr (2019) to $62.76/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $66.53/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 Waterford 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 Waterford
For those contemplating a part-time role as an optometrist in Waterford, a three-day workweek totaling 24 hours could yield around $78,000 annually, significantly lower than a full-time position but still substantial for flexible work. Per diem optometrists in the area typically command rates of $500 to $800 per day in retail settings, while specialized roles in OD/MD practices and hospital systems can see rates from $700 to $1,200 daily, with hourly pay for resident-trained ocular disease ODs ranging from $90 to $130. Waterford's employment landscape is diverse, with varying compensation based on the type of practice; some optometrists might opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for negotiating compensation effectively, particularly when weighing positions in private clinics versus corporate chains like LensCrafters or Walmart Vision in MI.
More salary data for Waterford, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Waterford in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Waterford?
Are optometrists in Waterford paid hourly or salary?
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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 Waterford. 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 Waterford 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