Optometrist Hourly Pay in St. Peters, MO: $61.36 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in St. Peters, MO runs $61.36 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $127,637 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against St. Peters's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $68.49 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $76,582 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In St. Peters, Missouri, the optometrist hourly pay is projected to be $61.36 in 2026, which falls below the national median of $67.60. This difference may impact those seeking part-time positions or per-diem work, often found in various settings such as private practice, retail optical chains, or public health facilities. For instance, an optometrist working three days a week typically focuses on maintaining a flexible schedule while earning a solid hourly wage. The hourly compensation ranges from $35.59 for entry-level positions to $89.20 for the highest earners in the area, illustrating significant earning potential for experienced practitioners. These estimates are derived from annual salary data, reflecting the diverse opportunities available within this profession.
About the St. Peters 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) | $35.59 | $284.75 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48.74 | $389.93 |
| Median (P50) | $61.36 | $490.91 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74.82 | $598.57 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $89.20 | $713.64 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in St. Peters
Based on $61.36/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $61.36/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in St. Peters, MO can expect to earn approximately $127,637 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $73,637. With a cost-of-living index of 89.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in St. Peters.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in St. Peters
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,454.57 | $10,636 | $127,637 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,472.74 | $6,382 | $76,582 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $981.83 | $4,255 | $51,055 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (St. Peters) | $61.36 |
| 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 St. Peters, MO earn a median of $127,637 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.23% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 1.30% above the Missouri state average of $125,999.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $61.36/hr = $76,582/year (purchasing power: $85,472).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $127,637/year (purchasing power: $142,453).
CoL index: 89.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$50.30/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$59.60/hr
2026 Current Est.
$61.36/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in St. Peters (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50.30/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $51.52/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $54.25/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $54.81/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $57.54/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $55.86/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $59.60/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61.36/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63.18/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in St. Peters grew 18.5% from $50.30/hr (2019) to $59.60/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $63.18/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 St. Peters 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 St. Peters
When evaluating the earning potential of part-time optometrists in St. Peters, working only three days a week can yield substantial take-home pay, particularly when compared to full-time counterparts. Many per diem optometrists can charge daily rates between $500 and $800 at retail chains, while those filling in at OD/MD practices can bill $700 to $1,200 per day, translating to an appealing hourly rate. Employer types certainly influence compensation, with private practices, retail chains, and VA medical centers offering differing hourly rates and benefits. Optometrists often weigh the trade-off between higher hourly wages with no benefits against lower rates that include health insurance. To negotiate effectively in this local market, it is advisable for optometrists to research employer standards and articulate their unique qualifications, particularly if they hold residency training or possess skills in expanding scopes of practice. Understanding the competitive environment in St. Peters will empower optometrists to make informed career choices.
More salary data for St. Peters, 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 St. Peters. 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 St. Peters 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