Optometrist Hourly Pay in Biloxi, MS: $56.86 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Biloxi, MS runs $56.86 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $118,268 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Biloxi's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $66.35 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $70,967 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Optometrists in Biloxi, Mississippi, earn a median hourly pay of $56.86, which is notably lower than the national median of $67.60. For those considering part-time work or per-diem positions, this translates to approximately $1,136 for a 3-day work week, which can be attractive for those balancing other commitments. The hourly wage for optometrists in the city ranges from $32.98 at the entry level to $80.93 for top earners, reflecting a competitive landscape within various healthcare settings such as private optometry offices, retail optical chains, and clinic environments. Although these figures are estimated based on annual salaries, they provide valuable insight into how the profession's financial prospects compare locally.
About the Biloxi Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($112,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32.98 | $263.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45.06 | $360.44 |
| Median (P50) | $56.86 | $454.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $67.51 | $540.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $80.93 | $647.41 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Biloxi
Based on $56.86/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $56.86/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Biloxi, MS can expect to earn approximately $118,279 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $68,238. With a cost-of-living index of 85.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Biloxi.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Biloxi
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,274.59 | $9,857 | $118,279 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,364.76 | $5,914 | $70,967 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $909.84 | $3,943 | $47,312 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Biloxi) | $56.86 |
| 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 Biloxi, MS earn a median of $118,268 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.89% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 1.90% below the Mississippi state average of $120,559.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $56.86/hr = $70,967/year (purchasing power: $82,809).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $118,279/year (purchasing power: $138,015).
CoL index: 85.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$46.61/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$55.23/hr
2026 Current Est.
$56.86/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Biloxi (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46.61/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $47.74/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $50.27/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $50.79/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $53.33/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $45.29/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $55.23/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56.86/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58.55/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Biloxi grew 18.5% from $46.61/hr (2019) to $55.23/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $58.55/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 Biloxi 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 Biloxi
In terms of earning potential, a part-time optometrist working 24 hours a week could realistically take home around $64,385 annually, significantly less than a full-time counterpart. Per diem optometrist pay in Biloxi offers another avenue for income, with fill-in professionals in retail chains often billing between $500 and $800 daily, while those in OD/MD practice settings can earn up to $1,200 per day. These quick, contract-based roles present flexibility, though they typically do not offer benefits like health insurance. Additionally, employment settings can influence hourly rates, with retail chains and private practices each presenting distinct compensation structures. Negotiation tactics are crucial; optometrists may need to consider whether a lower hourly rate with benefits or a higher wage without them aligns better with their long-term career goals.
More salary data for Biloxi, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Biloxi in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Biloxi?
Are optometrists in Biloxi paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Biloxi?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Biloxi?
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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 Biloxi. 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 Biloxi 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