Optometrist Hourly Pay in Independence, MO: $61.82 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Independence, MO runs $61.82 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $128,577 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Independence's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $68.99 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $77,148 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Independence, Missouri, the optometrist hourly pay is projected to be $61.82 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national hourly median of $67.60. This rate influences various employment situations; for instance, a part-time optometrist working three days a week, averaging 24 hours, could expect to earn a significant income without the demands of full-time work. Per-diem opportunities in the area are also quite lucrative, with optometrists in retail optical chains earning entry-level rates around $35.85 while those at the executive level fetching as much as $95.81 per hour. Such earnings can vary significantly depending on whether they are working in private practice, retail settings, or specialized medical eye care environments.
About the Independence 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) | $35.85 | $286.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.00 | $399.98 |
| Median (P50) | $61.82 | $494.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $73.79 | $590.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $95.81 | $766.52 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Independence
Based on $61.82/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $61.82/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Independence, MO can expect to earn approximately $128,580 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $74,181. With a cost-of-living index of 89.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Independence.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Independence
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,472.69 | $10,715 | $128,580 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,483.61 | $6,429 | $77,148 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $989.07 | $4,286 | $51,432 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Independence) | $61.82 |
| 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 Independence, MO earn a median of $128,577 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.56% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 2.10% above the Missouri state average of $125,933.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $61.82/hr = $77,148/year (purchasing power: $86,103).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $128,580/year (purchasing power: $143,504).
CoL index: 89.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$50.67/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$60.04/hr
2026 Current Est.
$61.82/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Independence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50.67/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $51.90/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $54.65/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $55.21/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $57.97/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $56.27/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $60.04/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61.82/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63.65/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Independence grew 18.5% from $50.67/hr (2019) to $60.04/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $63.65/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 Independence 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 Independence
Among various employment scenarios, the potential income for a part-time optometrist working 24 hours weekly in Independence can translate to substantial annual earnings, typically less than what full-time positions offer but still competitive. Per diem or locum tenens work presents another financial angle, with fill-in optometrists often billing $500-$800 per day at retail locations, and those covering OD/MD practices seeing rates from $700 to $1,200 daily. Additionally, residency-trained ocular disease specialists in hospital settings may earn between $90 and $130 per hour. The quick pay differences across practice types can lead some optometrists to prioritize full benefits over hourly rates, balancing financial compensation with job security and health insurance. Practical negotiation tips suggest that professionals might argue for slightly higher pay in exchange for flexibility, particularly in a market like Independence, where both private practices and retail chains are evolving due to recent industry shifts.
More salary data for Independence, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Independence in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Independence?
Are optometrists in Independence paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Independence?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Independence?
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 Independence. 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 Independence 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