Optometrist Hourly Pay in Ridgeland, MS: $55.63 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Ridgeland, MS runs $55.63 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $115,698 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Ridgeland's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $64.91 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $69,425 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Ridgeland, Mississippi, the optometrist hourly pay reflects regional market dynamics and projected compensation trends for 2026, with an hourly median of $55.63. This figure is significantly below the national average of $67.60 per hour, indicating a potential challenge for local practitioners in attracting top talent, especially as they navigate through various settings such as private optometry offices, retail optical chains, and VA clinics. For those working part-time, such as in a three-day-a-week schedule, the hourly pay can still translate into a comfortable living, provided they optimize work hours and employer choice. With initial pay starting at approximately $32.26 and reaching up to $75.67 for high earners, optometrists in Ridgeland should be aware of their worth as they seek employment within diverse practice environments.
About the Ridgeland 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) | $32.26 | $258.06 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47.62 | $380.95 |
| Median (P50) | $55.63 | $445.03 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $64.49 | $515.95 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $75.67 | $605.32 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Ridgeland
Based on $55.63/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $55.63/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Ridgeland, MS can expect to earn approximately $115,709 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $66,755. With a cost-of-living index of 85.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Ridgeland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Ridgeland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,225.17 | $9,642 | $115,709 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,335.10 | $5,785 | $69,425 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $890.07 | $3,857 | $46,284 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Ridgeland) | $55.63 |
| 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 Ridgeland, MS earn a median of $115,698 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.72% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 4.00% below the Mississippi state average of $120,519.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $55.63/hr = $69,425/year (purchasing power: $81,010).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $115,709/year (purchasing power: $135,016).
CoL index: 85.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$45.60/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$54.03/hr
2026 Current Est.
$55.63/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Ridgeland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45.60/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $46.70/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $49.18/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $49.69/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $52.17/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $44.31/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $54.03/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $55.63/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57.28/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Ridgeland grew 18.5% from $45.60/hr (2019) to $54.03/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $57.28/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 Ridgeland 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 Ridgeland
Considering part-time and per-diem opportunities can significantly influence earnings for optometrists in Ridgeland. A part-time optometrist working 24 hours over three days could expect to earn around $43,000 annually, a value that contrasts sharply with full-time earnings. For locum and agency work, per diem optometrists often find themselves billing anywhere from $500-$800 daily at retail settings and up to $1,200 in more specialized practices, depending on the nature of their expertise and patient load. Additionally, hourly rates vary across employment types, with private practices typically offering lower but more stable pay compared to the high-stakes earnings available in hospital systems or ophthalmology clinics. While some may opt for positions with health benefits at a lower hourly rate, others might prioritize higher compensation at the expense of job security or benefits. Negotiating effectively with prospective employers, particularly in a competitive market like Ridgeland, is essential for maximizing one's earning potential in this evolving profession.
More salary data for Ridgeland, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Ridgeland in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Ridgeland?
Are optometrists in Ridgeland paid hourly or salary?
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Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Ridgeland?
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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 Ridgeland. 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 Ridgeland 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