Optometrist Hourly Pay in Duluth, MN: $67.15 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Duluth, MN runs $67.15 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $139,680 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Duluth's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $68.17 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $83,804 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Duluth, Minnesota, optometrists earn a median hourly pay of $67.15, which is slightly below the national hourly median of $67.60. This rate can significantly impact those working part-time or on a per-diem basis; for example, a part-time optometrist working three days a week could expect to earn around $49,000 annually, while a per diem optometrist might earn upwards of $500-$800 per day, depending on the practice setting. Hourly earnings vary among optometrists, with entry-level positions typically starting at $38.95, while experienced practitioners can command as much as $97.00. These hourly rates are derived from annual salary data, reflecting the broader economic context of Duluth's optometric needs and service options, from private practices to retail optical chains and outpatient clinics.
About the Duluth 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) | $38.95 | $311.60 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55.53 | $444.21 |
| Median (P50) | $67.15 | $537.20 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $80.04 | $640.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $97.00 | $775.99 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Duluth
Based on $67.15/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $67.15/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Duluth, MN can expect to earn approximately $139,673 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $80,581. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Duluth.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Duluth
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,686.02 | $11,639 | $139,673 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,611.61 | $6,984 | $83,804 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,074.41 | $4,656 | $55,869 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Duluth) | $67.15 |
| 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 Duluth, MN earn a median of $139,680 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.66% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 0.80% above the Minnesota state average of $138,571.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $67.15/hr = $83,804/year (purchasing power: $85,080).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $139,673/year (purchasing power: $141,800).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$55.04/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$65.22/hr
2026 Current Est.
$67.15/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Duluth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55.04/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $56.38/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $59.36/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $59.98/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $56.22/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $65.91/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $65.22/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67.15/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69.14/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Duluth grew 18.5% from $55.04/hr (2019) to $65.22/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $69.14/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 Duluth 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 Duluth
For optometrists considering part-time roles in Duluth, the financial implications are crucial. An individual working a 24-hour week as a part-time optometrist, making $67.15 per hour, would yield an annual income of around $83,752, significantly affecting lifestyle choices. Conversely, per-diem optometrists have varying capabilities for income maximization; those filling in at retail chains can anticipate between $500-$800 daily, while those stepping into OD/MD practices might see rates from $700-$1,200. Hourly rates can shift dramatically depending on practice types—private optometry, retail avenues, or hospital settings—each with its unique benefits and drawbacks. Those opting for the higher hourly rates often sacrifice health insurance and stability, whereas those seeking benefits may accept a slightly lower hourly pay in exchange for security. Successful negotiation for these roles in Duluth often hinges on understanding the intricacies of local market rates and the specific demands of different employment avenues.
More salary data for Duluth, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Duluth in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Duluth?
Are optometrists in Duluth paid hourly or salary?
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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 Duluth. 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 Duluth 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