Optometrist Hourly Pay in Omaha, NE: $62.92 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Omaha, NE runs $62.92 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $130,872 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Omaha's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.9, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $68.46 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $78,523 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Omaha, NE, the optometrist hourly pay is projected to be $62.92 for 2026, which is slightly lower than the national median of $67.60. This hourly rate can create a substantial income opportunity for part-time optometrists working three days a week. For those in per-diem positions, the flexible hours often attract new graduates or seasoned practitioners looking for temporary work, particularly in retail environments or outpatient settings. The hourly wage range in Omaha goes from approximately $30.73 for entry-level optometrists to up to $102.47 for those in high-demand specialties or administrative roles, making this a diverse field for earning potential based on experience and employer type. It’s essential to consider that these figures are derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data, ensuring accuracy in compensation expectations.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30.73 | $245.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.41 | $331.28 |
| Median (P50) | $62.92 | $503.35 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79.90 | $639.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $102.47 | $819.73 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Omaha
Based on $62.92/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $62.92/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Omaha, NE can expect to earn approximately $130,871 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $75,503. With a cost-of-living index of 91.91 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Omaha.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Omaha
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,516.75 | $10,906 | $130,871 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,510.05 | $6,544 | $78,523 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,006.70 | $4,362 | $52,348 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Omaha) | $62.92 |
| 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 Omaha, NE earn a median of $130,872 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.93% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 1.70% above the Nebraska state average of $128,685.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $62.92/hr = $78,523/year (purchasing power: $85,433).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $130,871/year (purchasing power: $142,389).
CoL index: 91.911 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$41.28/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$61.11/hr
2026 Current Est.
$62.92/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+56.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Omaha (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41.28/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $57.20/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $61.17/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $61.20/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $62.80/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $60.18/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $61.11/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62.92/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64.78/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Omaha grew 48.0% from $41.28/hr (2019) to $61.11/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $64.78/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 Omaha 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 Omaha
Part-time optometrists operating on a 24-hour work schedule over three days a week can expect to earn about $77,690 annually. When compared to full-time counterparts, this part-time setup can seem appealing due to its flexibility. For those entering the per diem market, rates often vary significantly, with retail chains typically paying around $500-$800 per day, while specialists filling roles in OD/MD practices could bill up to $1,200 daily. The choice of employer greatly influences earnings; private practices historically offer different benefits compared to larger retail chains. While some optometrists may opt for lower-paying positions with added health benefits, others prefer higher hourly rates in positions that lack additional perks. Local negotiations can enhance pay—considering both experience and local demand can be instrumental for optometrists securing advantageous terms in Omaha's competitive market.
More salary data for Omaha, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Omaha in 2026?
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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 Omaha. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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