Optometrist Hourly Pay in Clovis, NM: $60.60 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Clovis, NM runs $60.60 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $126,052 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Clovis's regional price level (BEA RPP 94.4, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $64.20 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $75,632 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Clovis, NM, the optometrist hourly pay is projected to be $60.60 in 2026, which falls below the national hourly median of $67.60. This compensation is significant for those considering part-time or per-diem work in various settings, such as private exam rooms, retail optical chains, and outpatient clinics. With entry-level positions starting at an hourly rate of $35.15 and top earners reaching up to $85.97, the range provides ample opportunity for optometrists based on experience and practice type. Factors such as the local cost of living index, which is slightly below the national average, also play a role in determining what optometrists can expect to earn in Clovis compared to their peers elsewhere in the nation.
About the Clovis 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) | $35.15 | $281.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49.30 | $394.38 |
| Median (P50) | $60.60 | $484.82 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $71.97 | $575.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $85.97 | $687.77 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Clovis
Based on $60.60/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $60.60/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Clovis, NM can expect to earn approximately $126,053 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $72,723. With a cost-of-living index of 94.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Clovis.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Clovis
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,424.09 | $10,504 | $126,053 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,454.45 | $6,303 | $75,632 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $969.64 | $4,202 | $50,421 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Clovis) | $60.60 |
| 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 Clovis, NM earn a median of $126,052 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.35% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 5.00% below the New Mexico state average of $132,686.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $60.60/hr = $75,632/year (purchasing power: $80,118).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $126,053/year (purchasing power: $133,530).
CoL index: 94.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$49.67/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$58.86/hr
2026 Current Est.
$60.60/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Clovis (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49.67/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $50.88/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $53.57/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $54.13/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $56.83/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $55.17/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $58.86/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60.60/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62.40/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Clovis grew 18.5% from $49.67/hr (2019) to $58.86/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $62.40/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 Clovis 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 Clovis
For those pursuing a part-time schedule, working three days a week and totaling around 24 hours can yield a considerable annual income, although this will obviously be less than what a full-time capacity offers. Per diem optometrists in Clovis have the potential to make competitive daily rates, commonly billing between $500 to $800 for retail placements and up to $1,200 for healthcare facility shifts. These varied rates underscore how hourly pay can fluctuate based on the employer—whether it's a solo practice, a retail chain, or a VA medical center. While some may choose positions with lower hourly pay in exchange for health benefits, it's essential for optometrists to negotiate effectively based on their specific needs. Understanding the local market dynamics and tapping into resources from the AOA can guide ODs in asserting their worth within this evolving profession.
More salary data for Clovis, NM:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Clovis in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Clovis?
Are optometrists in Clovis paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Clovis?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Clovis?
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 Clovis. 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 Clovis 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