Optometrist Hourly Pay in Bozeman, MT: $62.89 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Bozeman, MT runs $62.89 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $130,797 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Bozeman's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.2, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $65.37 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $78,484 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bozeman, Montana, the estimated optometrist hourly pay for 2026 stands at $62.89, which is slightly below the national hourly median of $67.60. This hourly rate provides flexibility for part-time professionals, such as those working three days a week, allowing them to balance career aspirations with personal commitments. Part-time optometrists can thrive in settings ranging from private exam rooms to retail optical chains and VA clinics, catering to a variety of patient needs. With the hourly range spanning from $36.55 for entry-level positions to $96.14 for top earners, potential earnings vary significantly based on experience and specific employer type. These hourly estimates, derived from annual salary figures, paint a nuanced picture of the profession's financial landscape in the Bozeman area.
About the Bozeman Market
Salary estimated from Montana average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36.55 | $292.41 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.50 | $412.00 |
| Median (P50) | $62.89 | $503.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74.51 | $596.10 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $96.14 | $769.15 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bozeman
Based on $62.89/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $62.89/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bozeman, MT can expect to earn approximately $130,807 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $75,466. With a cost-of-living index of 96.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Bozeman.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bozeman
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,515.52 | $10,901 | $130,807 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,509.31 | $6,540 | $78,484 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,006.21 | $4,360 | $52,323 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Bozeman) | $62.89 |
| 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 Bozeman, MT earn a median of $130,797 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.98% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 1.60% below the Montana state average of $132,924.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $62.89/hr = $78,484/year (purchasing power: $81,584).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $130,807/year (purchasing power: $135,974).
CoL index: 96.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$51.54/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$61.08/hr
2026 Current Est.
$62.89/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Bozeman (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51.54/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $52.80/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $55.59/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $56.17/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $58.97/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $58.25/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $61.08/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62.89/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64.75/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Bozeman grew 18.5% from $51.54/hr (2019) to $61.08/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $64.75/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 Bozeman 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 Bozeman
For those considering part-time work, an optometrist operating on a three-day-a-week schedule would see their annual earnings considerably lower than full-time colleagues. Part-time professionals typically take home around $96,748 annually, compared to full-time optometrists earning approximately $130,797. Moreover, the landscape for per diem optometrists presents a different reality, with billing rates that can range from $500 to $1,200 per day depending on the practice type; agency work offers the potential for $90 to $130 hourly compensation for residency-trained ocular disease specialists. The choice of employer impacts compensation, with private practices generally providing stable pay and benefits, while retail chains might offer higher hourly rates without full benefits. Optometrists in Bozeman should consider these dynamics when negotiating, emphasizing flexibility in work arrangements and additional benefits that align with their personal and professional goals.
More salary data for Bozeman, MT:
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 Bozeman. 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 Bozeman 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