Optometrist Hourly Pay in Brooklyn Center, MN: $65.25 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Brooklyn Center, MN runs $65.25 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $135,718 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Brooklyn Center's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $66.24 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $81,427 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, the optometrist hourly pay is projected to be $65.25 in 2026, slightly below the national median of $67.60. This figure reflects the potential earning capabilities for part-time and per-diem optometrists working three days a week in various settings such as private optometric practices, retail optical chains, and VA outpatient clinics. The hourly pay range for optometrists in Brooklyn Center varies significantly from $37.85 for entry-level positions up to $96.51 for the highest earners. These hourly estimates are derived from annual salary data, illustrating that while the pay may fall short of the national average, it provides a competitive wage for healthcare professionals in the region.
About the Brooklyn Center 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) | $37.85 | $302.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.58 | $412.66 |
| Median (P50) | $65.25 | $521.97 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76.04 | $608.29 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $96.51 | $772.12 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Brooklyn Center
Based on $65.25/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $65.25/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Brooklyn Center, MN can expect to earn approximately $135,711 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $78,295. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Brooklyn Center.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Brooklyn Center
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,609.83 | $11,309 | $135,711 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,565.90 | $6,786 | $81,427 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,043.93 | $4,524 | $54,284 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Brooklyn Center) | $65.25 |
| 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 Brooklyn Center, MN earn a median of $135,718 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.48% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 2.00% below the Minnesota state average of $138,488.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $65.25/hr = $81,427/year (purchasing power: $82,667).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $135,711/year (purchasing power: $137,778).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$53.48/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$63.37/hr
2026 Current Est.
$65.25/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Brooklyn Center (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53.48/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $54.78/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $57.68/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $58.28/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $61.18/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $64.04/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $63.37/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65.25/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67.18/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Brooklyn Center grew 18.5% from $53.48/hr (2019) to $63.37/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $67.18/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 Brooklyn Center 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 Brooklyn Center
Considering part-time work, an optometrist at 24 hours per week could expect to earn roughly $81,800 annually, which is a compelling option for those seeking flexibility. Per diem optometrists, who may practice on an ad-hoc basis, typically earn between $500 to $800 per day at retail chain locations, while those filling in at OD/MD practices might collect between $700 and $1,200 daily. Additionally, hourly rates for different employer types can vary, as private optometry practices often provide lower wages than retail chains, which may have more resources for higher compensation. It's not uncommon for some optometrists to accept lower hourly pay if those positions include health benefits, providing a safety net for healthcare coverage. For those working in Brooklyn Center, practical negotiation tips involve understanding these trade-offs and emphasizing specialty training or advanced qualifications, which could positively impact hourly compensation.
More salary data for Brooklyn Center, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Brooklyn Center in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Brooklyn Center?
Are optometrists in Brooklyn Center 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 Brooklyn Center. 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 Brooklyn Center 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