Optometrist Hourly Pay in Springfield, MO: $68.39 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Springfield, MO runs $68.39 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $142,250 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Springfield's regional price level (BEA RPP 88.6, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $77.20 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $85,346 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Springfield, Missouri, the optometrist hourly pay is projected to reach a median of $68.39 by 2026, slightly above the national median of $67.60 per hour. This competitive rate not only reflects the growing demand for eye care services but also positions Springfield's optometrists favorably compared to the rest of the nation. For part-time professionals, working three days a week might yield around $52,000 annually, with opportunities in various settings, including private optometry practices, retail optical chains such as LensCrafters, and clinical environments like VA outpatient eye clinics. The hourly range for optometrists in Springfield varies widely, with entry-level positions starting at approximately $47.52 per hour, while seasoned experts can command up to $86.23 per hour in high-demand practices or specialized roles.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47.52 | $380.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52.32 | $418.59 |
| Median (P50) | $68.39 | $547.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79.90 | $639.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $86.23 | $689.83 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Springfield
Based on $68.39/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $68.39/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Springfield, MO can expect to earn approximately $142,243 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $82,063. With a cost-of-living index of 88.58 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Springfield.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Springfield
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,735.44 | $11,854 | $142,243 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,641.26 | $7,112 | $85,346 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,094.18 | $4,741 | $56,897 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Springfield) | $68.39 |
| 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 Springfield, MO earn a median of $142,250 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.16% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 12.90% above the Missouri state average of $125,996.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $68.39/hr = $85,346/year (purchasing power: $96,343).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $142,243/year (purchasing power: $160,572).
CoL index: 88.585 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$55.66/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$66.42/hr
2026 Current Est.
$68.39/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Springfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55.66/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $56.88/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $58.13/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $49.60/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $45.64/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $57.24/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $66.42/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68.39/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70.41/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Springfield grew 19.3% from $55.66/hr (2019) to $66.42/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $70.41/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 Springfield 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 Springfield
Part-time optometrists in Springfield, working 24 hours a week, can generate a substantial annual income compared to full-time counterparts. Per diem optometrists often experience a different dynamic; they typically bill between $500 and $800 daily at retail optical locations, and their work in OD/MD practice settings can range from $700 to $1,200 per day. Those with advanced training in ocular diseases can expect rates between $90 and $130 per hour at hospitals. The hourly pay in Springfield can differ significantly based on the type of employer; private practices might offer lower hourly rates but provide comprehensive benefits, while corporate retail chains may prioritize higher pay for fewer benefits. For those seeking employment, practical negotiation strategies include assessing the trade-off between hourly rates and the value of health insurance or other benefits, considering which is more advantageous based on individual financial needs and career aspirations in a growing field.
More salary data for Springfield, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Springfield. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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