Optometrist Hourly Pay in Brooklyn Park, MN: $66.02 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Brooklyn Park, MN runs $66.02 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $137,310 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Brooklyn Park's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $67.02 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $82,390 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Optometrists in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $66.02 in 2026, slightly lower than the national median of $67.60. This hourly rate opens doors for various work arrangements, benefiting both part-time professionals and those seeking per-diem assignments. For instance, an optometrist employed three days a week can make a substantial income, rounding out their earnings in private exam rooms, retail optical locations, or VA clinics. Entry-level positions start around $38.29 per hour, while seasoned practitioners can command as much as $99.68, reflecting the growing demand for eye care professionals amid an evolving scope of practice in the field.
About the Brooklyn Park 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) | $38.29 | $306.33 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54.66 | $437.29 |
| Median (P50) | $66.02 | $528.14 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78.76 | $630.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $99.68 | $797.40 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Brooklyn Park
Based on $66.02/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $66.02/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Brooklyn Park, MN can expect to earn approximately $137,317 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $79,222. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Brooklyn Park.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Brooklyn Park
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,640.72 | $11,443 | $137,317 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,584.43 | $6,866 | $82,390 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,056.29 | $4,577 | $54,927 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Brooklyn Park) | $66.02 |
| 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 Park, MN earn a median of $137,310 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.35% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 0.90% below the Minnesota state average of $138,557.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $66.02/hr = $82,390/year (purchasing power: $83,645).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $137,317/year (purchasing power: $139,408).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$54.11/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$64.12/hr
2026 Current Est.
$66.02/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Brooklyn Park (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54.11/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $55.42/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $58.36/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $58.96/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $61.91/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $64.79/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $64.12/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66.02/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67.97/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Brooklyn Park grew 18.5% from $54.11/hr (2019) to $64.12/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $67.97/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 Park 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 Park
When considering part-time work, an optometrist operating on a 24-hour weekly schedule may take home a solid income, though it significantly differs from the earnings of full-time counterparts. Per-diem optometrists, who often fill in at retail chains or specialty clinics, typically earn $500-$800 daily, with higher rates at OD/MD practice settings, yielding $700-$1,200 per day. The hourly pay across different employer types varies, with private practices, retail chains like LensCrafters, and ophthalmology clinics offering unique compensation structures. Optometrists might find themselves trading off lower hourly wages for benefits such as health insurance, which is a common consideration in the profession. For those in Brooklyn Park negotiating pay, understanding the differences in employer types and being informed about the competitive landscape can be crucial for securing a desirable compensation package.
More salary data for Brooklyn Park, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Brooklyn Park in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Brooklyn Park?
Are optometrists in Brooklyn Park paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Brooklyn Park?
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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 Park. 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 Park 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