Optometrist Hourly Pay in Blue Springs, MO: $58.82 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Blue Springs, MO runs $58.82 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $122,339 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Blue Springs's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $65.65 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $73,409 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Blue Springs, Missouri, the optometrist hourly pay is projected to be $58.82 for 2026, which is notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $67.60. This difference may impact part-time workers, particularly those who operate on a three-day workweek, as they will receive considerable earning potential for 24 hours of work while still managing personal obligations. Per-diem optometrists working in various settings such as private practices, retail optical chains, or even VA outpatient clinics will find this hourly rate significant, as it positions them within a range from $34.11 for entry-level positions to $88.54 for those at the top of their field. However, it's essential to recognize that these hourly rates are estimates derived from annual salary data, and actual pay can vary widely depending on the specific employer and location in Blue Springs.
About the Blue Springs Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34.11 | $272.89 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47.25 | $377.99 |
| Median (P50) | $58.82 | $470.57 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $72.25 | $577.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $88.54 | $708.28 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Blue Springs
Based on $58.82/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $58.82/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Blue Springs, MO can expect to earn approximately $122,348 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $70,585. With a cost-of-living index of 89.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Blue Springs.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Blue Springs
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,352.84 | $10,196 | $122,348 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,411.71 | $6,117 | $73,409 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $941.14 | $4,078 | $48,939 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Blue Springs) | $58.82 |
| 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 Blue Springs, MO earn a median of $122,339 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.00% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 2.90% below the Missouri state average of $125,993.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $58.82/hr = $73,409/year (purchasing power: $81,929).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $122,348/year (purchasing power: $136,549).
CoL index: 89.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$48.21/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$57.13/hr
2026 Current Est.
$58.82/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Blue Springs (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48.21/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $49.38/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $52.00/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $52.54/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $55.16/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $53.54/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $57.13/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58.82/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60.56/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Blue Springs grew 18.5% from $48.21/hr (2019) to $57.13/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $60.56/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 Blue Springs 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 Blue Springs
Part-time optometrists in Blue Springs, working 24 hours a week, would earn around $61,465 annually, which contrasts starkly with their full-time counterparts who earn well above this mark. For those considering per diem work, the figures can vary significantly, as retail chain fill-in optometrists may charge between $500-$800 per day, whereas fill-in positions at OD/MD practices might command between $700-$1,200 daily. Residency-trained ocular disease optometrists working in hospital settings often earn $90-$130 per hour on a 1099 basis. Notably, pay can fluctuate by employer type—whether in a private optometry practice, retail chain, or ophthalmology practice—each affecting overall compensation due to differing benefits structures. Many optometrists face a trade-off between accepting lower hourly rates for comprehensive benefits or opting for higher hourly earnings with limited coverage. For those seeking to negotiate better pay in Blue Springs, demonstrating a strong understanding of local market rates and individual credentials, such as AOA, NBEO, or ACOE accreditation, can significantly enhance their bargaining position.
More salary data for Blue Springs, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Blue Springs in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Blue Springs?
Are optometrists in Blue Springs paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Blue Springs?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Blue Springs?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Missouri
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 Blue Springs. 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 Blue Springs 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