Optometrist Hourly Pay in Fuquay-Varina, NC: $79.44 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Fuquay-Varina, NC runs $79.44 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $165,238 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Fuquay-Varina's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $84.88 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $99,146 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina, the projected optometrist hourly pay for 2026 is set at $79.44, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $67.60. This competitive rate can be particularly advantageous for those considering part-time positions, such as optometrists working three days a week. These professionals can not only enjoy a flexible schedule but also earn a decent income by working in various settings including private optometry exam rooms, retail optical chains, and military health clinics. The hourly pay range for optometrists in the area varies widely, from $46.07 for entry-level positions to $110.48 for top earners, reflecting the diverse types of practice environments and levels of experience within this field.
About the Fuquay-Varina 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) | $46.07 | $368.60 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $66.16 | $529.30 |
| Median (P50) | $79.44 | $635.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $92.75 | $741.97 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $110.48 | $883.81 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fuquay-Varina
Based on $79.44/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $79.44/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fuquay-Varina, NC can expect to earn approximately $165,243 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $95,333. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Fuquay-Varina.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fuquay-Varina
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,177.76 | $13,770 | $165,243 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,906.65 | $8,262 | $99,146 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,271.10 | $5,508 | $66,097 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Fuquay-Varina) | $79.44 |
| 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 Fuquay-Varina, NC earn a median of $165,238 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.51% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 1.70% below the North Carolina state average of $168,096.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $79.44/hr = $99,146/year (purchasing power: $105,925).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $165,243/year (purchasing power: $176,542).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$65.11/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$77.16/hr
2026 Current Est.
$79.44/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Fuquay-Varina (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $65.11/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $66.70/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $70.23/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $70.96/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $74.50/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $57.50/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $77.16/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $79.44/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81.80/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Fuquay-Varina grew 18.5% from $65.11/hr (2019) to $77.16/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $81.80/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 Fuquay-Varina 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 Fuquay-Varina
Analyzing the earning potential for part-time optometrists reveals an intriguing contrast with full-time colleagues. Working 24 hours a week, a part-time optometrist in Fuquay-Varina could take home approximately $61,657 annually, a significant amount that allows for a balanced work-life equation. For those exploring per diem opportunities, hourly compensation can vary substantially; fill-in optometrists at retail chains often bill $500 to $800 a day, while those working in OD/MD practices can earn between $700 and $1,200 daily. However, benefits can affect choices: some may opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for health insurance options. Furthermore, negotiation efforts are crucial; prospective hourly employees should thoroughly assess employer types in Fuquay-Varina—ranging from private practices to large retail chains—to determine where they can best maximize their hourly pay while also receiving adequate benefits.
More salary data for Fuquay-Varina, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Fuquay-Varina in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Fuquay-Varina?
Are optometrists in Fuquay-Varina paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Fuquay-Varina?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Fuquay-Varina?
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 Fuquay-Varina. 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 Fuquay-Varina 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