Optometrist Hourly Pay in Hastings, NE: $60.34 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Hastings, NE runs $60.34 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $125,525 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Hastings's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $65.95 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $75,310 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hastings, Nebraska, the projected hourly pay for an optometrist is estimated at $60.34, which is notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $67.60. This rate reflects the local cost of living and the employment landscape in the area, where optometrists may find work in a variety of settings such as private clinics, retail optical chains, and VA outpatient facilities. For part-time professionals working three days a week, the earnings can be quite beneficial, allowing for flexibility while providing an adequate income. The hourly range for optometrists in Hastings spans from about $35.01 for entry-level positions to as high as $85.19 for the top earners, enabling early career optometrists to gradually build their experience and patient base in the established community.
About the Hastings 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) | $35.01 | $280.05 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47.38 | $379.06 |
| Median (P50) | $60.34 | $482.76 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $71.23 | $569.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $85.19 | $681.51 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hastings
Based on $60.34/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $60.34/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hastings, NE can expect to earn approximately $125,517 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $72,414. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Hastings.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hastings
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,413.79 | $10,460 | $125,517 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,448.28 | $6,276 | $75,310 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $965.52 | $4,184 | $50,207 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Hastings) | $60.34 |
| 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 Hastings, NE earn a median of $125,525 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.73% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 2.40% below the Nebraska state average of $128,611.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $60.34/hr = $75,310/year (purchasing power: $82,306).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $125,517/year (purchasing power: $137,177).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$49.46/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$58.61/hr
2026 Current Est.
$60.34/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Hastings (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49.46/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $50.66/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $53.34/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $53.90/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $56.59/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $54.94/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $58.61/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60.34/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62.13/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Hastings grew 18.5% from $49.46/hr (2019) to $58.61/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $62.13/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 Hastings 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 Hastings
Considering part-time commitments, an optometrist working three days a week (about 24 hours) could earn approximately $73,581 annually, in contrast to full-time salaries. Per diem optometrists typically benefit from higher daily rates, often ranging between $500 to $800 at retail establishments, or even $700 to $1,200 in more specialized practices. Furthermore, residency-trained ocular disease optometrists might command up to $130 per hour in hospital systems. The type of employer significantly affects hourly pay, as private practices, retail chains, and medical centers each have different compensation structures. While some optometrists may opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance, others seeking maximum flexibility may pursue higher hourly rates without benefits. Negotiating terms based on specific work scenarios remains essential for optometrists in Hastings, who should weigh the value of consistent work against the potential for higher pay in less stable settings.
More salary data for Hastings, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Hastings in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Hastings?
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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 Hastings. 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 Hastings 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