Optometrist Hourly Pay in Carlsbad, NM: $60.51 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Carlsbad, NM runs $60.51 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $125,856 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Carlsbad's regional price level (BEA RPP 94.4, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $64.10 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $75,516 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the optometrist hourly pay in Carlsbad, NM is projected to be $60.51, significantly lower than the national median hourly rate of $67.60. This hourly compensation is particularly influential for part-time practitioners who may work three days a week. Those in such positions can expect to earn a predictable income while enjoying a flexible schedule, which is appealing in settings like private optometry offices and retail optical chains. For those just entering the field, hourly pay begins at about $35.10, while more experienced optometrists can command rates as high as $85.82 per hour, reflecting the dynamic range of opportunities available to optometrists in the area.
About the Carlsbad Market
Salary estimated from New Mexico average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35.10 | $280.79 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49.10 | $392.81 |
| Median (P50) | $60.51 | $484.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $71.66 | $573.28 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $85.82 | $686.54 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Carlsbad
Based on $60.51/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $60.51/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Carlsbad, NM can expect to earn approximately $125,860 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $72,612. With a cost-of-living index of 94.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Carlsbad.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Carlsbad
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,420.38 | $10,488 | $125,860 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,452.23 | $6,293 | $75,516 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $968.15 | $4,195 | $50,344 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Carlsbad) | $60.51 |
| 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 Carlsbad, NM earn a median of $125,856 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.49% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 5.20% below the New Mexico state average of $132,760.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $60.51/hr = $75,516/year (purchasing power: $79,996).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $125,860/year (purchasing power: $133,326).
CoL index: 94.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$49.60/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$58.77/hr
2026 Current Est.
$60.51/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Carlsbad (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49.60/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $50.80/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $53.49/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $54.04/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $56.74/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $55.08/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $58.77/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60.51/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62.30/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Carlsbad grew 18.5% from $49.60/hr (2019) to $58.77/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $62.30/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 Carlsbad 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 Carlsbad
When considering earnings from a part-time perspective, an optometrist working 24 hours a week can expect to take home approximately $75,781 annually, a contrast to full-time workers who benefit from consistent hours and full benefits. Per diem optometrists may find themselves in a lucrative position, billing $500 to $800 a day in retail environments, and up to $1,200 a day in specialty practices, highlighting the variability in income potential across different employer types. Clinics affiliated with VA medical centers, private practices, and retail chains often provide a mixture of benefits versus hourly rates. Some optometrists may take lower hourly pay in exchange for job security and health insurance, while others might prefer the higher pay offered in 1099 arrangements. For those in Carlsbad, understanding and negotiating these rates can lead to more fulfilling career choices, particularly as optometry expands its scope to include advanced treatment options like glaucoma management and oral medications.
More salary data for Carlsbad, NM:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Carlsbad in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Carlsbad?
Are optometrists in Carlsbad paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Carlsbad?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Carlsbad?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in New Mexico
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 Carlsbad. 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 Carlsbad 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