Optometrist Hourly Pay in Minneapolis, MN: $79.09 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Minneapolis, MN runs $79.09 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $164,520 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Minneapolis's regional price level (BEA RPP 104.8, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $75.46 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $98,709 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Minneapolis, the optometrist hourly pay is projected to be $79.09 in 2026, significantly above the national hourly median of $67.60. This premium reflects the city's higher cost of living and competitive job market. For those considering part-time opportunities, such as working three days a week, this hourly rate can translate into a substantial annual income. Per-diem optometrists, earning in diverse settings like retail optical chains, private optometry practices, and outpatient clinics, have an earning potential that varies widely based on their work environment. The hourly range in Minneapolis spans from $47.34 for entry-level positions to $97.16 for the top earners, making this profession lucrative whether one chooses a steady position or a flexible role in varying locations.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47.34 | $378.73 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $64.84 | $518.75 |
| Median (P50) | $79.09 | $632.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $86.31 | $690.49 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $97.16 | $777.31 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Minneapolis
Based on $79.09/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $79.09/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Minneapolis, MN can expect to earn approximately $164,515 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $94,913. With a cost-of-living index of 104.82 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Minneapolis.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Minneapolis
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,163.75 | $13,710 | $164,515 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,898.25 | $8,226 | $98,709 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,265.50 | $5,484 | $65,806 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Minneapolis) | $79.09 |
| 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 Minneapolis, MN earn a median of $164,520 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.00% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 18.80% above the Minnesota state average of $138,485.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $79.09/hr = $98,709/year (purchasing power: $94,168).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $164,515/year (purchasing power: $156,947).
CoL index: 104.822 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$58.40/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$76.82/hr
2026 Current Est.
$79.09/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+39.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Minneapolis (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58.40/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $60.19/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $63.04/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $73.02/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $68.31/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $74.67/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $76.82/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $79.09/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81.44/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Minneapolis grew 31.5% from $58.40/hr (2019) to $76.82/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $81.44/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 Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis
Focusing on the nuances within the optometry field, part-time optometrists working 24 hours a week could take home a considerably lower annual income than their full-time counterparts. This discrepancy can be highlighted by per-diem or agency positions, where fill-in optometrists frequently bill between $500 and $800 daily at retail outlets, with those in OD/MD practices charging $700 to $1,200 per day. Factors influencing hourly rates include the type of employer—private practices, retail chains like LensCrafters, and VA medical centers may offer different benefits, leading some to accept lower hourly wages for health insurance provisions. Negotiation strategies in Minneapolis can be crucial for maximizing earnings, especially for part-time or flexible arrangements, emphasizing the need to weigh the value of benefits against higher hourly pay options. With expanding scopes of practice in optometry, including advancements in glaucoma management and minor surgical procedures, the potential for increased compensation remains dynamic within the field.
More salary data for Minneapolis, 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 Minneapolis. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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