Optometrist Hourly Pay in Owatonna, MN: $66.10 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Owatonna, MN runs $66.10 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $137,492 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Owatonna's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $67.11 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $82,493 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Owatonna, Minnesota, the optometrist hourly pay is projected at $66.10 for 2026, slightly below the national median of $67.60. This competitive rate is advantageous for both full-time and part-time professionals, especially those working three days a week in various settings like private practices, retail chains, and VA outpatient clinics. For part-time optometrists, this hourly rate allows for a comfortable lifestyle while maintaining a balance between work and personal commitments. Entry-level practitioners can expect to start around $38.34 per hour, while top earners in the field can command as much as $93.06 per hour, showcasing a healthy potential for financial growth within the profession.
About the Owatonna 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) | $38.34 | $306.74 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.85 | $414.81 |
| Median (P50) | $66.10 | $528.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78.06 | $624.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $93.06 | $744.44 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Owatonna
Based on $66.10/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $66.10/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Owatonna, MN can expect to earn approximately $137,489 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $79,320. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Owatonna.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Owatonna
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,644.01 | $11,457 | $137,489 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,586.41 | $6,874 | $82,493 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,057.61 | $4,583 | $54,995 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Owatonna) | $66.10 |
| 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 Owatonna, MN earn a median of $137,492 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.22% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 0.70% below the Minnesota state average of $138,461.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $66.10/hr = $82,493/year (purchasing power: $83,749).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $137,489/year (purchasing power: $139,582).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$54.18/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$64.20/hr
2026 Current Est.
$66.10/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Owatonna (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54.18/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $55.49/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $58.43/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $59.04/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $61.99/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $64.87/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $64.20/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66.10/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68.06/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Owatonna grew 18.5% from $54.18/hr (2019) to $64.20/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $68.06/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 Owatonna 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 Owatonna
Exploring the earning dynamics of part-time optometrists in Owatonna reveals a significant disparity. A practitioner working a 24-hour schedule over three days can expect annual earnings significantly less than their full-time counterparts, yet still achieving an impressive income based on the hourly rate. Per diem optometrists, who often work as fill-ins, can earn between $500 to $1,200 daily depending on the setting, with rates commonly reaching $90 to $130 per hour in hospital systems for those with additional ocular disease training. The variance in hourly compensation among different employer types—ranging from solo private practices to large retail chains—suggests that optometrists must negotiate carefully. While some may accept lower pay for jobs that offer health benefits, others might prioritize higher hourly earnings even without such advantages. Effective negotiation can hinge on understanding local market conditions and professional associations such as the AOA.
More salary data for Owatonna, 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 Owatonna. 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 Owatonna 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