Optometrist Hourly Pay in Madison, MS: $57.14 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Madison, MS runs $57.14 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $118,858 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Madison's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $66.68 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $71,314 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Madison, Mississippi, the projected optometrist hourly pay for 2026 is set at $57.14, which falls below the national median of $67.60 per hour. This wage offers a comprehensive perspective for both full-time and part-time positions, including those at private optometry exam rooms, retail optical chains, and VA outpatient clinics. For optometrists working part-time, such as those on a three-day workweek, this hourly rate translates into opportunities for flexible schedules while still earning a respectable income. The hourly range spans from $33.14 for entry-level positions to $79.87 for top earners, reflecting the varied experience levels and settings within the profession. These hourly figures are derived from annual salary estimates provided for 2026, emphasizing the importance of understanding hourly compensation in this field.
About the Madison 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) | $33.14 | $265.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47.85 | $382.76 |
| Median (P50) | $57.14 | $457.14 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $66.95 | $535.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $79.87 | $638.93 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Madison
Based on $57.14/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $57.14/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Madison, MS can expect to earn approximately $118,857 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $68,571. With a cost-of-living index of 85.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Madison.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Madison
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,285.71 | $9,905 | $118,857 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,371.43 | $5,943 | $71,314 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $914.28 | $3,962 | $47,543 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Madison) | $57.14 |
| 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 Madison, MS earn a median of $118,858 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.47% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 1.40% below the Mississippi state average of $120,546.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $57.14/hr = $71,314/year (purchasing power: $83,214).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $118,857/year (purchasing power: $138,690).
CoL index: 85.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$46.84/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$55.50/hr
2026 Current Est.
$57.14/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Madison (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46.84/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $47.97/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $50.51/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $51.04/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $53.59/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $45.52/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $55.50/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57.14/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58.83/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Madison grew 18.5% from $46.84/hr (2019) to $55.50/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $58.83/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 Madison 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 Madison
Exploring the financial outlook further reveals that a part-time optometrist in Madison, working 24 hours a week, can expect to take home an annual income that is significantly influenced by their employment setting. Full-time counterparts, meanwhile, often experience different financial dynamics based on their clinic type. Per diem optometrists generally command between $500 and $800 per day at retail chains like Walmart Vision, while more specialized positions in OD/MD practices can yield $700 to $1,200 daily. For those with residency training, hourly wages can range from $90 to $130 within hospital systems. Differences in hourly rates across various employers—private practices, retail chains, and military health systems—also highlight the trade-offs between job benefits and pay. Negotiation strategies, particularly in the context of how certain employers might offer lower hourly rates but include health benefits, are essential for securing the best compensation package, especially in a city like Madison where career opportunities are evolving.
More salary data for Madison, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Madison in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Madison?
Are optometrists in Madison paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Madison?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Madison?
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 Madison. 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 Madison 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