Optometrist Hourly Pay in Nixa, MO: $58.05 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Nixa, MO runs $58.05 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $120,737 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Nixa's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $64.79 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $72,445 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Optometrists in Nixa, Missouri, earn an hourly median pay of $58.05, which is notably lower than the national hourly median of $67.60. This discrepancy highlights the unique financial landscape for optometrists in the state. For those working part-time, say three days a week, this hourly rate translates to approximately 24 hours of work, but could make budgeting challenging compared to full-time counterparts. The hourly range for optometrists in the area spans from $33.67 at the entry-level to $80.90 for the highest earners, indicating a robust potential for salary growth based on experience and practice type. Many optometrists find employment within private optometry practices or retail optical chains, where these hourly rates are established predominantly based on annual salary estimates.
About the Nixa 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) | $33.67 | $269.34 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47.28 | $378.23 |
| Median (P50) | $58.05 | $464.39 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $68.37 | $546.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $80.90 | $647.17 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Nixa
Based on $58.05/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $58.05/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Nixa, MO can expect to earn approximately $120,742 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $69,659. With a cost-of-living index of 89.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Nixa.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Nixa
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,321.95 | $10,062 | $120,742 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,393.17 | $6,037 | $72,445 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $928.78 | $4,025 | $48,297 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Nixa) | $58.05 |
| 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 Nixa, MO earn a median of $120,737 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.13% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 4.20% below the Missouri state average of $126,030.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $58.05/hr = $72,445/year (purchasing power: $80,854).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $120,742/year (purchasing power: $134,756).
CoL index: 89.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$47.58/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$56.38/hr
2026 Current Est.
$58.05/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Nixa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47.58/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $48.73/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $51.31/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $51.85/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $54.44/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $52.84/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $56.38/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58.05/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59.77/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Nixa grew 18.5% from $47.58/hr (2019) to $56.38/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $59.77/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 Nixa 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 Nixa
When considering part-time opportunities, an optometrist in Nixa working 24 hours a week could expect an annual income significantly less than full-time peers, making it crucial for part-time professionals to supplement their income through special arrangements. Per diem optometrists in Nixa can earn varying rates, ranging from $500 to $1,200 per day, depending on the practice setting—retail chains offering lower rates than specialized OD/MD clinics. The decision between different employment models can significantly impact overall earnings; positions with benefits may provide lower hourly pay compared to those without, such as independent contractor roles. Negotiating for a competitive hourly rate or additional benefits remains essential in this environment. Optometrists should be aware of local industry demands and impending changes in practice scope, including management of glaucoma and other treatments allowed in Missouri, to maximize their earning potential in Nixa's evolving market.
More salary data for Nixa, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Nixa in 2026?
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Are optometrists in Nixa paid hourly or salary?
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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 Nixa. 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 Nixa 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