Optometrist Hourly Pay in Hobbs, NM: $62.05 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Hobbs, NM runs $62.05 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $129,070 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Hobbs's regional price level (BEA RPP 94.4, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $65.74 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $77,443 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hobbs, New Mexico, the optometrist hourly pay is projected to be $62.05 in 2026, which is lower than the national median hourly rate of $67.60. This hourly wage can significantly benefit those looking to work part-time or per diem opportunities. For example, an optometrist working three days a week may find flexibility in their schedule while still earning a substantial income. The hourly range for optometrists in Hobbs stretches from approximately $35.99 for entry-level positions to around $91.01 for top earners. These estimates, derived from annual salary data, provide a clear indication of the financial landscape for optometrists within various practice settings, including private optometry offices, retail chains, and VA outpatient clinics.
About the Hobbs 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) | $35.99 | $287.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52.24 | $417.94 |
| Median (P50) | $62.05 | $496.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $75.32 | $602.52 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $91.01 | $728.05 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hobbs
Based on $62.05/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $62.05/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hobbs, NM can expect to earn approximately $129,072 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $74,465. With a cost-of-living index of 94.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Hobbs.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hobbs
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,482.16 | $10,756 | $129,072 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,489.30 | $6,454 | $77,443 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $992.86 | $4,302 | $51,629 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Hobbs) | $62.05 |
| 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 Hobbs, NM earn a median of $129,070 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.21% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 2.80% below the New Mexico state average of $132,788.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $62.05/hr = $77,443/year (purchasing power: $82,037).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $129,072/year (purchasing power: $136,729).
CoL index: 94.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$50.86/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$60.27/hr
2026 Current Est.
$62.05/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Hobbs (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50.86/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $52.10/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $54.86/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $55.42/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $58.19/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $56.49/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $60.27/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62.05/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63.89/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Hobbs grew 18.5% from $50.86/hr (2019) to $60.27/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $63.89/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 Hobbs 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 Hobbs
Part-time optometrists in Hobbs, working an average of 24 hours a week or three days a week, could see a respectable annual income compared to their full-time counterparts. For example, working part-time at the current hourly rate would yield an annual gross income of about $77,546, while a full-time position would typically provide more stability and benefits. Per diem optometrists may command higher daily rates, billing between $500 to $800 at retail clinics and $700 to $1,200 in private practice settings, creating profitable opportunities for those willing to fill in or work temporary assignments. It’s crucial for optometrists in Hobbs to understand how hourly rates can vary across employer types, such as retail optical chains, solo practices, and hospital systems. While some may opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance, others focus on maximizing their pay per hour without the added benefits. When negotiating, clear communication about workload expectations and compensation can help ensure aligned goals and a favorable working relationship.
More salary data for Hobbs, NM:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Hobbs in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Hobbs?
Are optometrists in Hobbs paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Hobbs?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Hobbs?
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 Hobbs. 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 Hobbs 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