Optometrist Hourly Pay in Apple Valley, MN: $64.56 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Apple Valley, MN runs $64.56 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $134,282 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Apple Valley's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $65.54 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $80,566 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In the realm of optometry in Apple Valley, MN, the projected median hourly rate stands at $64.56, slightly below the national median of $67.60. This hourly wage presents an attractive opportunity for those considering part-time positions or per-diem roles in various settings like private optometry practices, retail optical chains, and university clinics. For part-time optometrists working three days a week, the compensation can be lucrative, with entry-level practitioners earning approximately $37.45 per hour while experienced optometrists may reach as high as $94.47 per hour in specialized roles. These hourly figures, derived from annual salary data, allow for a diverse range of salaries that can adapt to personal lifestyle choices and career paths.
About the Apple Valley Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37.45 | $299.57 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.75 | $413.98 |
| Median (P50) | $64.56 | $516.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79.29 | $634.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $94.47 | $755.73 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Apple Valley
Based on $64.56/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $64.56/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Apple Valley, MN can expect to earn approximately $134,276 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $77,467. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Apple Valley.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Apple Valley
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,582.24 | $11,190 | $134,276 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,549.34 | $6,714 | $80,566 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,032.89 | $4,476 | $53,711 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Apple Valley) | $64.56 |
| 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 Apple Valley, MN earn a median of $134,282 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.50% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 3.00% below the Minnesota state average of $138,436.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $64.56/hr = $80,566/year (purchasing power: $81,793).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $134,276/year (purchasing power: $136,321).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$52.91/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$62.70/hr
2026 Current Est.
$64.56/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Apple Valley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52.91/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $54.20/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $57.07/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $57.66/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $60.54/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $63.36/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $62.70/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64.56/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66.47/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Apple Valley grew 18.5% from $52.91/hr (2019) to $62.70/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $66.47/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 Apple Valley 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 Apple Valley
When examining part-time opportunities, an optometrist working three days per week could expect to take home about $81,000 annually, significantly lower than a full-time counterpart, yet offering greater scheduling flexibility. For those exploring per diem or locum tenens work, the pay rates can vary widely: fills at retail chains may yield up to $800 per day, while OD/MD practices often pay between $700 and $1,200 daily. Different types of employers in Apple Valley, ranging from private optometry offices to large retail chains and hospitals, can significantly influence hourly pay due to differences in benefits and demand. Some optometrists may opt for positions with lower hourly wages that include health benefits, providing greater overall stability. To capitalize on these opportunities, optometrists should approach negotiations with awareness of local market rates and their unique qualifications, especially as they consider how factors like scope-of-practice expansion impact their potential earnings in Apple Valley.
More salary data for Apple Valley, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Apple Valley. 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 Apple Valley 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