Optometrist Hourly Pay in Woodbury, MN: $67.47 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Woodbury, MN runs $67.47 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $140,326 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Woodbury's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $68.50 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $84,202 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, optometrists in Woodbury, Minnesota, can expect a median hourly pay of $67.47, slightly below the national median of $67.60. This competitive rate means that part-time optometrists working three days a week can still earn a significant income, while per-diem workers can find flexible opportunities across various settings, from private optometry exam rooms to retail chains and hospital environments. The hourly pay for optometrists in Woodbury ranges from $39.12 for entry-level positions to $97.91 for top earners, reflecting the vast experience and credentialing within this profession. This hourly pay estimation derives from annual salary data and provides a clear framework of what optometrists can anticipate when considering their financial prospects in 2026.
About the Woodbury 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) | $39.12 | $313.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53.59 | $428.73 |
| Median (P50) | $67.47 | $539.76 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $80.90 | $647.17 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $97.91 | $783.32 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Woodbury
Based on $67.47/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $67.47/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Woodbury, MN can expect to earn approximately $140,337 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $80,964. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Woodbury.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Woodbury
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,698.79 | $11,695 | $140,337 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,619.27 | $7,017 | $84,202 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,079.52 | $4,678 | $56,135 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Woodbury) | $67.47 |
| 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 Woodbury, MN earn a median of $140,326 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.20% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 1.30% above the Minnesota state average of $138,525.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $67.47/hr = $84,202/year (purchasing power: $85,484).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $140,337/year (purchasing power: $142,474).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$55.30/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$65.53/hr
2026 Current Est.
$67.47/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Woodbury (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55.30/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $56.64/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $59.64/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $60.26/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $63.27/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $66.21/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $65.53/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67.47/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69.47/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Woodbury grew 18.5% from $55.30/hr (2019) to $65.53/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $69.47/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 Woodbury 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 Woodbury
For part-time optometrists, working a schedule of 24 hours a week at the 2026 hourly rate effectively translates to an annual income that can still be substantial, especially considering the growing demand for ocular care and the expansion of practice scopes in areas such as glaucoma and oral medications. Per diem optometrist pay in Woodbury can vary significantly, with rates ranging from $500 to $1,200 per day depending on the setting; for instance, retail chains typically offer lower rates compared to specialized practices or hospitals for fill-in positions. Factors such as employer type influence hourly compensation, with private practices often providing health benefits for slightly lower hourly wages while higher-paying roles may lack those perks; thus, it's crucial for optometrists to weigh benefits against hourly pay when negotiating terms. Lastly, seeking opportunities within newly acquired chains or those emphasizing comprehensive eye care can provide better pay and working conditions in a shifting market.
More salary data for Woodbury, 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 Woodbury. 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 Woodbury 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