Optometrist Hourly Pay in Deming, NM: $59.54 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Deming, NM runs $59.54 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $123,851 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Deming's regional price level (BEA RPP 94.4, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $63.07 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $74,308 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Deming, New Mexico, the optometrist hourly pay sits at a median of $59.54, reflecting a significant yet distinct difference from the national hourly rate of $67.60. For optometrists working part-time, such as those choosing to practice three days a week, this translates to a stable source of income that can support various lifestyle choices while also allowing for flexible work schedules. The hourly rate range spans from $36.48 for entry-level positions to $83.53 for top earners in the field. These rates are derived from annual salary projections based on 2025 BLS estimates, granting a clear view of the compensation landscape in settings like private optometry exam rooms or retail optical chains in Deming.
About the Deming 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) | $36.48 | $291.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.20 | $401.63 |
| Median (P50) | $59.54 | $476.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $70.47 | $563.73 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $83.53 | $668.25 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Deming
Based on $59.54/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $59.54/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Deming, NM can expect to earn approximately $123,847 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $71,450. With a cost-of-living index of 94.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Deming.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Deming
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,381.67 | $10,321 | $123,847 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,429.00 | $6,192 | $74,308 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $952.67 | $4,128 | $49,539 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Deming) | $59.54 |
| 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 Deming, NM earn a median of $123,851 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.92% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 6.70% below the New Mexico state average of $132,744.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $59.54/hr = $74,308/year (purchasing power: $78,716).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $123,847/year (purchasing power: $131,194).
CoL index: 94.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$48.80/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$57.83/hr
2026 Current Est.
$59.54/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Deming (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48.80/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $49.99/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $52.63/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $53.18/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $55.84/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $54.20/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $57.83/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59.54/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61.30/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Deming grew 18.5% from $48.80/hr (2019) to $57.83/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $61.30/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 Deming 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 Deming
Optometrists working part-time in Deming can expect to bring home a solid income; for instance, a three-day work week totaling 24 hours could yield about $74,163 annually, which is competitive given the area's cost of living index of 94.4. Per diem optometrists in this region often have lucrative arrangements, typically earning between $500 and $800 daily at retail chains, while fill-in roles at OD/MD practices can demand $700-$1,200 a day. Factors such as the type of employer—ranging from private practices to larger corporate optical chains—play a crucial role in shaping hourly wages. Some eye care professionals may opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for health insurance benefits, a common trade-off in the industry. Strategies for successful salary negotiations can include highlighting residency training and specialized skills that can significantly enhance earning potential. This growing demand for specialized optometry skills aligns with the profession's evolving scope of practice across NM and nationwide.
More salary data for Deming, NM:
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 Deming. 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 Deming 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