Optometrist Hourly Pay in Oxford, MS: $55.27 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Oxford, MS runs $55.27 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $114,967 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Oxford's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $64.49 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $68,976 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Oxford, Mississippi, the projected optometrist hourly pay for 2026 stands at $55.27, which is notably lower than the national average of $67.60. This figure is significant for those considering part-time roles or per-diem work in settings such as private optometry exam rooms, retail optical chains, or academic clinics. For example, a part-time optometrist working three days a week could find their weekly earnings sufficient to sustain a decent living standard while balancing flexibility in their professional life. The hourly wage range for this profession in Oxford spans from $32.16 for entry-level positions to $78.91 for seasoned practitioners, indicating a solid earning potential as optometrists gain experience and expand their clinical skills.
About the Oxford 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) | $32.16 | $257.32 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45.26 | $362.09 |
| Median (P50) | $55.27 | $442.15 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $67.09 | $536.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $78.91 | $631.27 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Oxford
Based on $55.27/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $55.27/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Oxford, MS can expect to earn approximately $114,959 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $66,323. With a cost-of-living index of 85.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Oxford.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Oxford
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,210.76 | $9,580 | $114,959 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,326.45 | $5,748 | $68,976 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $884.30 | $3,832 | $45,984 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Oxford) | $55.27 |
| 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 Oxford, MS earn a median of $114,967 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.24% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 4.60% below the Mississippi state average of $120,511.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $55.27/hr = $68,976/year (purchasing power: $80,485).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $114,959/year (purchasing power: $134,142).
CoL index: 85.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$45.30/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$53.68/hr
2026 Current Est.
$55.27/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Oxford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45.30/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $46.40/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $48.86/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $49.36/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $51.83/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $44.03/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $53.68/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $55.27/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56.90/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Oxford grew 18.5% from $45.30/hr (2019) to $53.68/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $56.90/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 Oxford 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 Oxford
When examining the financial landscape for optometrists in Oxford, those who work part-time—approximately 24 hours weekly—may take home a different annual income compared to full-time practitioners, impacting their financial planning. Per diem optometrist pay in Oxford can vary significantly; typically, fill-in roles at retail chains pay in the range of $500-$800 daily, while those covering in OD/MD practices can command between $700 and $1,200 per day. This variability highlights the difference in earnings based on employment type, with private practices and hospital systems often providing appealing compensation packages but possibly lacking health benefits. Some optometrists may prefer positions that offer lower hourly rates in exchange for reliable insurance and retirement benefits. For those negotiating their compensation, it’s crucial to consider these trade-offs, especially against Oxford's lower cost of living, making strategic discussions around salary and benefits essential for long-term satisfaction in their careers.
More salary data for Oxford, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Oxford in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Oxford?
Are optometrists in Oxford paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Oxford?
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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 Oxford. 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 Oxford 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