Optometrist Hourly Pay in Kirkwood, MO: $60.08 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Kirkwood, MO runs $60.08 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $124,952 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Kirkwood's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $67.05 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $74,976 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, optometrists in Kirkwood, Missouri, earn a median hourly rate of $60.08, which is notably lower than the national median of $67.60. This hourly figure provides insight into the pay structure for part-time or per-diem optometrists working in diverse settings such as private practices, retail optical chains, and outpatient clinics. For those considering part-time roles, such as three days a week, the potential income offers a balance of flexibility and earning potential. The hourly pay ranges significantly, with entry-level optometrists starting at approximately $34.84, while top earners can reach up to $86.73. These values reflect the diverse career stage of optometrists in the area and are estimated based on annual salaries, painting a picture of the financial landscape they navigate.
About the Kirkwood 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) | $34.84 | $278.73 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48.38 | $387.05 |
| Median (P50) | $60.08 | $480.62 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $72.08 | $576.66 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $86.73 | $693.87 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kirkwood
Based on $60.08/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $60.08/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kirkwood, MO can expect to earn approximately $124,960 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $72,093. With a cost-of-living index of 89.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Kirkwood.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kirkwood
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,403.09 | $10,413 | $124,960 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,441.85 | $6,248 | $74,976 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $961.23 | $4,165 | $49,984 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Kirkwood) | $60.08 |
| 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 Kirkwood, MO earn a median of $124,952 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.14% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 0.80% below the Missouri state average of $125,960.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $60.08/hr = $74,976/year (purchasing power: $83,679).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $124,960/year (purchasing power: $139,465).
CoL index: 89.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$49.24/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$58.35/hr
2026 Current Est.
$60.08/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Kirkwood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49.24/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $50.44/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $53.11/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $53.66/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $56.34/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $54.68/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $58.35/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60.08/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61.86/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Kirkwood grew 18.5% from $49.24/hr (2019) to $58.35/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $61.86/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 Kirkwood 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 Kirkwood
For part-time optometrists in Kirkwood, working 24 hours a week can lead to substantial income but will still fall short of full-time earnings. Based on a typical part-time schedule, an optometrist would take home around $74,746 annually. In contrast, per diem or locum tenens optometrists could command rates upwards of $500 to $800 per day in retail environments, with some filling roles in OD/MD practices charging between $700 and $1,200 daily. These opportunities highlight the lucrative nature of fill-in work, particularly for residency-trained ocular disease specialists who may earn between $90 and $130 per hour. Compensation can greatly vary depending on the type of employment—whether it’s a private practice, a retail chain, or a vision insurance plan, each offers unique remuneration packages. Those opting for lower hourly rates might gain health insurance and other benefits, reflecting individual priorities and lifestyle choices within the Kirkwood area. Negotiating hourly rates effectively can also be beneficial for many in the profession, emphasizing the broader implications of pay structures within optometry.
More salary data for Kirkwood, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Kirkwood in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Kirkwood?
Are optometrists in Kirkwood paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Kirkwood?
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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 Kirkwood. 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 Kirkwood 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