Optometrist Hourly Pay in Great Falls, MT: $63.73 (2026)

For optometrists considering part-time work in Great Falls, the appeal lies not only in manageable hours but also in potential earnings versus full-time positions. Practicing three days a week would yield a take-home income that's significantly lower than that of a full-time role, which might affect those with varying financial needs. Per-diem work, on the other hand, offers lucrative options, with fill-in optometrists at retail chains billing between $500 to $800 each day. Those stationed in OD/MD practices can earn even more, potentially fetching $700 to $1,200 per day, while residency-trained ocular disease ODs in hospital settings command $90 to $130 per hour. Notably, hourly rates differ across practice types in Great Falls; private practices tend to pay less than corporate retail chains, while positions with benefits often come at a slightly lower hourly rate. For many, the trade-off between increased pay and health insurance coverage is significant, particularly in an environment where employer-sponsored benefits can heavily influence overall compensation. To make informed career choices, optometrists should negotiate their contracts while considering both their hourly compensation and the associated benefits.