Optometrist Hourly Pay in Ramsey, MN: $64.94 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Ramsey, MN runs $64.94 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $135,063 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Ramsey's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $65.93 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $81,041 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Ramsey, Minnesota, an optometrist earns a median hourly rate of $64.94, which is slightly below the national median of $67.60. This compensation reflects the typical work environment, where optometrists operate in diverse settings such as private optometry practices, retail optical chains, and VA outpatient clinics. For those considering part-time work, such as a 3-day workweek, this translates to a substantial hourly earning that can support various lifestyle choices. Hourly pay varies significantly in Ramsey, with entry-level optometrists earning around $37.66 per hour, while experienced professionals can reach as much as $95.39 hourly. These figures, derived from annual salary projections, highlight the earning potential in this rewarding field, whether one is engaged in full-time work or per diem opportunities.
About the Ramsey 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) | $37.66 | $301.30 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53.46 | $427.65 |
| Median (P50) | $64.94 | $519.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79.06 | $632.50 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $95.39 | $763.14 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Ramsey
Based on $64.94/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $64.94/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Ramsey, MN can expect to earn approximately $135,069 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $77,924. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Ramsey.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Ramsey
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,597.47 | $11,256 | $135,069 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,558.48 | $6,753 | $81,041 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,038.99 | $4,502 | $54,027 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Ramsey) | $64.94 |
| 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 Ramsey, MN earn a median of $135,063 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.95% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 2.50% below the Minnesota state average of $138,526.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $64.94/hr = $81,041/year (purchasing power: $82,275).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $135,069/year (purchasing power: $137,126).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$53.22/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$63.07/hr
2026 Current Est.
$64.94/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Ramsey (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53.22/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $54.52/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $57.40/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $58.00/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $60.89/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $63.73/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $63.07/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64.94/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66.86/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Ramsey grew 18.5% from $53.22/hr (2019) to $63.07/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $66.86/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 Ramsey 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 Ramsey
Participation in locum tenens or per diem opportunities can greatly influence an optometrist's earnings in Ramsey. For example, those working part-time for three days a week, amounting to approximately 24 hours, can expect pay that totals significantly less than full-time earners yet still offers a competitive income compared to other professions. Per diem optometrists in retail environments generally earn from $500 to $800 per day, while those in specialized OD/MD practices can command fees ranging from $700 to $1,200 per day. This flexibility in billing can lead to higher hourly rates for residency-trained optometrists with advanced skills, particularly in ocular disease. However, when considering the trade-offs between hourly pay and benefits, many optometrists may find it worthwhile to accept positions with lower pay but robust health insurance. As the job market evolves, particularly with expansions in optometric practice, negotiating hourly rates based on local demand and specialization can provide an edge in securing favorable compensation.
More salary data for Ramsey, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Ramsey in 2026?
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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 Ramsey. 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 Ramsey 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