Optometrist Hourly Pay in Southaven, MS: $56.99 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Southaven, MS runs $56.99 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $118,541 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Southaven's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $66.50 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $71,121 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Southaven, Mississippi, the projected median optometrist hourly pay for 2026 stands at $56.99. This figure falls noticeably below the national median of $67.60, indicating a 15.70% wage disparity. For part-time optometrists working three days a week, this rate translates to approximately $4,400 monthly, which may vary based on location and work settings like retail optical chains, private practices, and VA clinics. Newly licensed optometrists might earn around $33.15 per hour, while experienced professionals can reach up to $81.54, demonstrating the income potential that can come with experience and specializations in ocular disease or advanced optometric procedures.
About the Southaven 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) | $33.15 | $265.22 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46.66 | $373.29 |
| Median (P50) | $56.99 | $455.91 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $67.46 | $539.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $81.54 | $652.35 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Southaven
Based on $56.99/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $56.99/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Southaven, MS can expect to earn approximately $118,536 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $68,386. With a cost-of-living index of 85.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Southaven.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Southaven
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,279.53 | $9,878 | $118,536 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,367.72 | $5,927 | $71,121 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $911.81 | $3,951 | $47,414 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Southaven) | $56.99 |
| 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 Southaven, MS earn a median of $118,541 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.70% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 1.60% below the Mississippi state average of $120,468.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $56.99/hr = $71,121/year (purchasing power: $82,989).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $118,536/year (purchasing power: $138,315).
CoL index: 85.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$46.71/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$55.35/hr
2026 Current Est.
$56.99/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Southaven (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46.71/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $47.84/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $50.38/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $50.90/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $53.44/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $45.39/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $55.35/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56.99/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58.68/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Southaven grew 18.5% from $46.71/hr (2019) to $55.35/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $58.68/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 Southaven 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 Southaven
With a potential earning structure reflective of varied employment settings in Southaven, optometrists who work part-time end up with a different financial outcome compared to full-time colleagues. Taking a typical 24-hour workweek, a part-time optometrist could expect to take home approximately $52,828 annually, in contrast to the full-time average. Per-diem optometrists in the area can also find considerable financial opportunities, often billing between $500 and $800 daily at retail chains, and earning $700 to $1,200 per day within OD/MD practice settings. Variations in hourly pay often stem from whether they work in retail operations, private practices, or specialized health systems. Those with advanced training may negotiate for higher hourly rates, sometimes foregoing benefits in exchange for greater immediate compensation. Understanding these market dynamics, along with negotiating practical strategies for optimum wages, can lead to a more lucrative career path in Southaven, MS.
More salary data for Southaven, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Southaven in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Southaven?
Are optometrists in Southaven paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Southaven?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Southaven?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Mississippi
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 Southaven. 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 Southaven 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