Optometrist Hourly Pay in Eagan, MN: $65.27 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Eagan, MN runs $65.27 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $135,752 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Eagan's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $66.26 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $81,452 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Eagan, Minnesota, the optometrist hourly pay is projected to be $65.27 in 2026. This rate is slightly below the national average hourly rate for optometrists, which is expected to reach $67.60. For those considering part-time work, such as three days a week, the potential earnings are still significant and can support a comfortable income. Per-diem optometrists, who may work in various settings including private practices, retail optical chains, or VA outpatient clinics, typically earn anywhere from $37.86 to $97.06 per hour, depending on experience and location. These figures illustrate a healthy earning potential ranging from entry-level to seasoned practitioners in Eagan, providing flexibility for those who choose to work in diverse environments within the optometry field.
About the Eagan 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) | $37.86 | $302.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53.15 | $425.18 |
| Median (P50) | $65.27 | $522.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79.46 | $635.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $97.06 | $776.48 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Eagan
Based on $65.27/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $65.27/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Eagan, MN can expect to earn approximately $135,754 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $78,320. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Eagan.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Eagan
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,610.65 | $11,313 | $135,754 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,566.39 | $6,788 | $81,452 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,044.26 | $4,525 | $54,302 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Eagan) | $65.27 |
| 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 Eagan, MN earn a median of $135,752 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.46% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 2.00% below the Minnesota state average of $138,522.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $65.27/hr = $81,452/year (purchasing power: $82,693).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $135,754/year (purchasing power: $137,821).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$53.49/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$63.39/hr
2026 Current Est.
$65.27/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Eagan (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53.49/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $54.79/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $57.69/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $58.29/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $61.20/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $64.05/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $63.39/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65.27/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67.20/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Eagan grew 18.5% from $53.49/hr (2019) to $63.39/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $67.20/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 Eagan 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 Eagan
Shift focus to Eagan's unique opportunities in optometry employment. Part-time optometrists who work 24 hours a week could take home earnings that amount to a comfortable income, albeit lower than full-time counterparts. For those opting for per-diem or locum tenens roles, daily earnings can vary widely: they might bill between $500-$800 at retail chains or even $700-$1,200 in OD/MD practice settings. Meanwhile, residency-trained ocular disease ODs tend to command rates of $90-$130 per hour in hospital systems. Different employer types, including private optometry practices, retail chains, and ophthalmology groups, affect hourly pay significantly, often resulting in lower rates for those seeking fringe benefits like health insurance. For many, the trade-off between a lower hourly wage and benefits can be a key factor in employment decisions. To negotiate effectively in Eagan, aspiring optometrists should research the regional pay rates and align their salary expectations with the demand in various settings, tailoring their unique skills to maximize their earning potential.
More salary data for Eagan, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Eagan in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Eagan?
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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 Eagan. 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 Eagan 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