Optometrist Hourly Pay in Papillion, NE: $57.53 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Papillion, NE runs $57.53 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $119,679 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Papillion's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $62.88 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $71,802 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Papillion, Nebraska, the optometrist hourly pay is projected to be $57.53 in 2026, which falls below the national hourly median of $67.60. This hourly rate creates various earning possibilities for part-time and per-diem optometrists, who might find themselves working in different settings such as private optometry exam rooms, retail optical chains, or VA outpatient clinics. For those operating on a part-time basis, typically three days a week, the pay can significantly enhance their take-home income, especially given the hourly range from $35.20 to $80.38, allowing entry-level optometrists to earn while they gain crucial experience. The flexibility of the profession allows many optometrists in Papillion to work in diverse environments, which can affect their overall earning opportunities in the region.
About the Papillion 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) | $35.20 | $281.62 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48.30 | $386.39 |
| Median (P50) | $57.53 | $460.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $67.89 | $543.13 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $80.38 | $643.05 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Papillion
Based on $57.53/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $57.53/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Papillion, NE can expect to earn approximately $119,671 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $69,041. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Papillion.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Papillion
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,301.36 | $9,973 | $119,671 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,380.82 | $5,984 | $71,802 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $920.54 | $3,989 | $47,868 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Papillion) | $57.53 |
| 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 Papillion, NE earn a median of $119,679 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.89% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 7.00% below the Nebraska state average of $128,687.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $57.53/hr = $71,802/year (purchasing power: $78,473).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $119,671/year (purchasing power: $130,788).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$47.16/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$55.88/hr
2026 Current Est.
$57.53/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Papillion (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47.16/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $48.30/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $50.86/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $51.39/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $53.95/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $52.38/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $55.88/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57.53/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59.24/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Papillion grew 18.5% from $47.16/hr (2019) to $55.88/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $59.24/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 Papillion 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 Papillion
When considering part-time work, an optometrist in Papillion scheduled for 24 hours weekly could be earning a substantial annual income influenced by their hourly pay without the demands of a full-time job. Furthermore, per diem optometrists often command daily rates that range from $500 to $1,200, depending on the practice setting; for instance, retail chains may offer $500 to $800 per day while ophthalmology practices could offer higher rates. Various factors influence hourly rates across employer types in Papillion, such as the appeal of benefits associated with full-time positions in private practices compared to higher hourly wages with contract positions. Negotiating strategies could empower optometrists to better navigate their pay, especially by assessing the comprehensive benefits a full-time role provides versus the flexibility and potentially higher earnings available through per diem work in the current optometric climate of NE.
More salary data for Papillion, NE:
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 Papillion. 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 Papillion 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