Optometrist Hourly Pay in Bellevue, NE: $59.90 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Bellevue, NE runs $59.90 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $124,588 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Bellevue's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $65.47 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $74,758 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bellevue, Nebraska, the optometrist hourly pay stands at $59.90, which is notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $67.60. This discrepancy might influence professionals considering part-time roles, especially those aiming to work in diverse settings such as private optometry exam rooms, retail optical chains, or VA outpatient clinics. For an optometrist working three days a week, the potential for flexible scheduling can attract those valuing work-life balance despite a lower hourly pay compared to national averages. The pay range varies significantly, with entry-level optometrists earning around $34.74 per hour and top earners making as much as $89.84 per hour. These figures, derived from projected salary data, reflect the local market dynamics and the typical responsibilities associated with various optometric roles.
About the Bellevue Market
Salary estimated from Nebraska average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34.74 | $277.91 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47.92 | $383.34 |
| Median (P50) | $59.90 | $479.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $73.38 | $587.04 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $89.84 | $718.74 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bellevue
Based on $59.90/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $59.90/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bellevue, NE can expect to earn approximately $124,596 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $71,883. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Bellevue.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bellevue
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,396.09 | $10,383 | $124,596 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,437.65 | $6,230 | $74,758 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $958.43 | $4,153 | $49,839 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Bellevue) | $59.90 |
| 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 Bellevue, NE earn a median of $124,588 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.40% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 3.20% below the Nebraska state average of $128,706.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $59.90/hr = $74,758/year (purchasing power: $81,703).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $124,596/year (purchasing power: $136,171).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$49.10/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$58.18/hr
2026 Current Est.
$59.90/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Bellevue (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49.10/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $50.29/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $52.95/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $53.50/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $56.17/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $54.53/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $58.18/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59.90/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61.68/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Bellevue grew 18.5% from $49.10/hr (2019) to $58.18/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $61.68/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 Bellevue 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 Bellevue
Part-time optometrists in Bellevue can expect to take home around $74,035 annually when working 24 hours a week. This figure contrasts sharply with full-time positions, where earnings typically would be much higher. Furthermore, per diem optometrists in Bellevue have a potentially lucrative earning capacity; those filling in at retail chains can bill between $500 to $800 daily, while fill-in positions at OD/MD practices can yield $700 to $1,200. However, it's crucial to recognize that hourly rates can differ significantly based on the type of employer. For instance, private practices may offer lower hourly rates but provide benefits, unlike higher hourly options in retail settings without health coverage. Negotiating effectively becomes essential for hourly workers looking to improve their compensation, particularly in a market like Bellevue that may not match national trends.
More salary data for Bellevue, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 Bellevue. 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 Bellevue 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