Optometrist Hourly Pay in Cape Girardeau, MO: $58.76 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Cape Girardeau, MO runs $58.76 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $122,224 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Cape Girardeau's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $65.58 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $73,332 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Cape Girardeau, Missouri, the optometrist hourly pay is estimated at $58.76, which sits below the national median of $67.60 per hour. This hourly rate provides appealing options for part-time or per-diem work, whether in private practices, retail optical outlets, or VA outpatient clinics. Optometrists working three days a week can enjoy a reasonable income while also maintaining a work-life balance. The hourly rate spans from $35.61 for entry-level positions up to $82.30 for more seasoned professionals, suggesting a dynamic pay structure based on experience and specific workplace settings.
About the Cape Girardeau 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) | $35.61 | $284.91 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49.31 | $394.46 |
| Median (P50) | $58.76 | $470.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $68.96 | $551.70 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $82.30 | $658.37 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cape Girardeau
Based on $58.76/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $58.76/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cape Girardeau, MO can expect to earn approximately $122,219 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $70,511. With a cost-of-living index of 89.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Cape Girardeau.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cape Girardeau
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,350.37 | $10,185 | $122,219 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,410.22 | $6,111 | $73,332 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $940.15 | $4,074 | $48,888 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Cape Girardeau) | $58.76 |
| 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 Cape Girardeau, MO earn a median of $122,224 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.08% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 3.00% below the Missouri state average of $126,004.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $58.76/hr = $73,332/year (purchasing power: $81,843).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $122,219/year (purchasing power: $136,405).
CoL index: 89.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$48.16/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$57.07/hr
2026 Current Est.
$58.76/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Cape Girardeau (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48.16/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $49.33/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $51.94/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $52.48/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $55.10/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $53.49/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $57.07/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58.76/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60.50/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Cape Girardeau grew 18.5% from $48.16/hr (2019) to $57.07/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $60.50/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 Cape Girardeau 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 Cape Girardeau
When analyzing earning potential in Cape Girardeau, part-time optometrists working 24 hours a week bring home a reliable income but certainly less than their full-time counterparts. Per diem or agency work offers a different dynamic, with opportunities to earn significantly more; retail optical chains may pay fill-in optometrists between $500 and $800 per day, while OD/MD practices could range from $700 to $1,200. Factors like employer type play a crucial role in hourly compensation, as a discrepancy exists among private practices, nationwide retail chains, and VA centers. Professionals must weigh the trade-offs: higher hourly earnings often come without benefits, while lower hourly rates may include health insurance. Negotiating salaries in Cape Girardeau should consider these aspects, aiming to align expectations with the unique opportunities that exist in the local job market.
More salary data for Cape Girardeau, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Cape Girardeau in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Cape Girardeau?
Are optometrists in Cape Girardeau paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Cape Girardeau?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Cape Girardeau?
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 Cape Girardeau. 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 Cape Girardeau 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