Optometrist Hourly Pay in Columbus, MS: $54.48 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Columbus, MS runs $54.48 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $113,315 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Columbus's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $63.57 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $67,986 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Columbus, Mississippi, the optometrist hourly pay in 2026 is projected to be $54.48, a figure that sits significantly below the national median of $67.60. This hourly rate is particularly relevant for both part-time and per-diem optometrists working in various settings, such as private clinics, retail optical chains, and outpatient centers. For example, a part-time optometrist working three days a week could expect earnings that align with this median hourly rate, providing a stable income while maintaining flexibility. The hourly pay range in Columbus also reflects variations in experience and specialties, with entry-level practitioners earning approximately $31.60 and seasoned professionals reaching up to $73.83. Such estimates are derived from annual salary projections, making this hourly insight crucial for professionals considering the optometry field in MS.
About the Columbus 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) | $31.60 | $252.79 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46.46 | $371.64 |
| Median (P50) | $54.48 | $435.81 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $63.03 | $504.26 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $73.83 | $590.66 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Columbus
Based on $54.48/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $54.48/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Columbus, MS can expect to earn approximately $113,310 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $65,371. With a cost-of-living index of 85.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Columbus.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Columbus
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,179.05 | $9,443 | $113,310 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,307.43 | $5,666 | $67,986 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $871.62 | $3,777 | $45,324 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Columbus) | $54.48 |
| 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 Columbus, MS earn a median of $113,315 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.41% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 6.00% below the Mississippi state average of $120,548.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $54.48/hr = $67,986/year (purchasing power: $79,330).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $113,310/year (purchasing power: $132,217).
CoL index: 85.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$44.65/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$52.91/hr
2026 Current Est.
$54.48/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Columbus (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44.65/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $45.73/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $48.16/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $48.66/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $51.09/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.39/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $52.91/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54.48/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56.09/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Columbus grew 18.5% from $44.65/hr (2019) to $52.91/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $56.09/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 Columbus 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 Columbus
When examining the financial landscape for optometrists in Columbus, part-time positions offer an attractive alternative for those seeking a work-life balance. A typical 3-day workweek translates to about 24 hours, allowing an optometrist to earn around $62,000 annually, considerably less than full-time counterparts. Per diem options present lucrative possibilities, as fill-in optometrists may command daily rates ranging from $500 to $1,200, depending on the practice type. For example, retail chains often pay less, while specialty practices can significantly increase earnings. However, some optometrists may opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance. As Columbus experiences changes in employment dynamics, especially with the shift toward private equity effects in optometry, successful negotiation of hourly contracts becomes increasingly vital for professionals navigating this evolving job market. Being aware of local compensation trends will enhance potential success in securing satisfying employment opportunities across the diverse range of optometric settings.
More salary data for Columbus, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Columbus in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Columbus?
Are optometrists in Columbus paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Columbus?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Columbus?
Related Pages
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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 Columbus. 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 Columbus 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