Optometrist Hourly Pay in Fayetteville, NC: $82.25 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Fayetteville, NC runs $82.25 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $171,082 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Fayetteville's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $87.88 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $102,654 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fayetteville, North Carolina, the optometrist hourly pay stands at an impressive $82.25, significantly higher than the national average of $67.60 per hour. This robust compensation reflects the local demand for qualified eye care professionals, particularly within various settings such as private optometry practices, retail optical chains, and outpatient clinics. For those considering part-time work, such as a schedule of three days a week, this hourly rate translates to substantial earnings that can accommodate a flexible lifestyle. The hourly range varies considerably, with entry-level positions starting at $47.70 and top earners making up to $127.49 per hour. Considering these rates, the optometry field in Fayetteville offers lucrative opportunities for both full-time and per-diem practitioners.
About the Fayetteville Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($130,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47.70 | $381.61 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $65.16 | $521.31 |
| Median (P50) | $82.25 | $658.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $102.40 | $819.23 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $127.49 | $1019.88 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fayetteville
Based on $82.25/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $82.25/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fayetteville, NC can expect to earn approximately $171,090 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $98,706. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Fayetteville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fayetteville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,290.19 | $14,257 | $171,090 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,974.11 | $8,554 | $102,654 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,316.08 | $5,703 | $68,436 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Fayetteville) | $82.25 |
| 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 Fayetteville, NC earn a median of $171,082 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.67% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 1.80% above the North Carolina state average of $168,057.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $82.25/hr = $102,654/year (purchasing power: $109,673).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $171,090/year (purchasing power: $182,788).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$84.84/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$79.89/hr
2026 Current Est.
$82.25/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+-0.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Fayetteville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $84.84/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $84.01/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $69.85/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $71.38/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $75.82/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $77.80/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $79.89/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $82.25/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84.69/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Fayetteville grew -5.8% from $84.84/hr (2019) to $79.89/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $84.69/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 Fayetteville 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 Fayetteville
Looking at part-time earnings, an optometrist working three days a week could take home approximately $64,000 annually based on their hourly rate, showcasing how flexibility can coexist with competitive pay. Per-diem optometrist pay in Fayetteville can vary greatly, with retail chains typically offering rates of $500-$800 per day, while hospital systems may present $90-$130 per hour for residency-trained ocular disease specialists. Rates also differ significantly across employer types, with private practices, retail optical chains, and VA medical centers each presenting unique compensation structures. Many optometrists weigh the benefits of lower hourly pay against the security of health insurance provided by full-time positions. For those negotiating their hourly rates, especially in a city like Fayetteville, emphasizing specialized skills or additional certifications can enhance bargaining power effectively.
More salary data for Fayetteville, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Fayetteville in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Fayetteville?
Are optometrists in Fayetteville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Fayetteville?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Fayetteville?
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 Fayetteville. 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 Fayetteville 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