Optometrist Hourly Pay in Gallup, NM: $59.34 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Gallup, NM runs $59.34 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $123,411 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Gallup's regional price level (BEA RPP 94.4, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $62.86 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $74,051 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, optometrists in Gallup, New Mexico, earn a median hourly rate of $59.34, which is about 12.23% lower than the national median of $67.60. This rate reflects the financial landscape for those practicing in various settings, such as private exam rooms, retail optical chains, and even VA outpatient clinics. For part-time workers operating three days a week, this hourly pay translates into a sustainable income, particularly appealing for those looking to balance work and personal commitments. The hourly range for optometrists in Gallup runs from approximately $36.25 for entry-level positions to as high as $82.84 for experienced practitioners at the top of their field, providing a clear pathway for career advancement within this profession.
About the Gallup 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) | $36.25 | $290.02 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49.76 | $398.08 |
| Median (P50) | $59.34 | $474.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $71.23 | $569.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $82.84 | $662.73 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Gallup
Based on $59.34/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $59.34/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Gallup, NM can expect to earn approximately $123,419 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $71,203. With a cost-of-living index of 94.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Gallup.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Gallup
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,373.43 | $10,285 | $123,419 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,424.06 | $6,171 | $74,051 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $949.37 | $4,114 | $49,367 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Gallup) | $59.34 |
| 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 Gallup, NM earn a median of $123,411 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.23% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 7.00% below the New Mexico state average of $132,700.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $59.34/hr = $74,051/year (purchasing power: $78,444).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $123,419/year (purchasing power: $130,740).
CoL index: 94.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$48.63/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$57.63/hr
2026 Current Est.
$59.34/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Gallup (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48.63/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $49.81/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $52.45/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $53.00/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $55.64/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $54.01/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $57.63/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59.34/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61.09/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Gallup grew 18.5% from $48.63/hr (2019) to $57.63/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $61.09/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 Gallup 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 Gallup
Considering the evolving trends in optometry, part-time professionals earn significantly less than their full-time counterparts, making an annual income notably lower than what a full-time optometrist would take home. Many per-diem optometrists in Gallup command rates between $500 and $800 per day at retail locations, while those filling positions in OD/MD practices may bill between $700 and $1,200 daily. Factors such as employer type significantly affect compensation, with private practices, retail chains, and hospital systems presenting varying pay scales. Some optometrists opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for health benefits, reflecting a trade-off between immediate compensation and long-term security. Practical negotiation skills can help those seeking hourly work effectively advocate for favorable terms, whether they are navigating roles at LensCrafters, Visionworks, or VA medical centers. Understanding the local job market and potential compensation frameworks can greatly influence financial outcomes for optometrists in Gallup, NM.
More salary data for Gallup, NM:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 Gallup. 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 Gallup 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