Optometrist Hourly Pay in Garner, NC: $77.54 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Garner, NC runs $77.54 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $161,286 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Garner's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $82.84 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $96,769 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Garner, North Carolina, the projected median hourly pay for optometrists in 2026 is $77.54, which is significantly higher than the national median hourly rate of $67.60. This elevated pay scale can be appealing for part-time optometrists working three days a week, as they can earn a substantial hourly wage while maintaining a balanced lifestyle. For those opting for per-diem positions, the variety of clinical settings—from private optometry practices to retail optical chains—allows flexibility in hours worked, with billing rates typically landing within a broad range. Entry-level optometrists can expect to earn around $45.58 per hour, while more experienced professionals in Garner may reach rates as high as $114.45, indicating a lucrative potential for those committed to advancing their careers.
About the Garner 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) | $45.58 | $364.64 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $64.02 | $512.16 |
| Median (P50) | $77.54 | $620.31 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $94.56 | $756.47 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $114.45 | $915.60 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Garner
Based on $77.54/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $77.54/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Garner, NC can expect to earn approximately $161,281 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $93,047. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Garner.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Garner
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,101.57 | $13,440 | $161,281 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,860.94 | $8,064 | $96,769 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,240.63 | $5,376 | $64,513 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Garner) | $77.54 |
| 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 Garner, NC earn a median of $161,286 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.70% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 4.10% below the North Carolina state average of $168,181.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $77.54/hr = $96,769/year (purchasing power: $103,386).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $161,281/year (purchasing power: $172,309).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$63.55/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$75.31/hr
2026 Current Est.
$77.54/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Garner (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63.55/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $65.10/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $68.54/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $69.26/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $72.71/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $56.12/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $75.31/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77.54/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $79.83/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Garner grew 18.5% from $63.55/hr (2019) to $75.31/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $79.83/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 Garner 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 Garner
Considering the earning potential, part-time optometrists working 24 hours a week might find their annual earnings close to $96,383, a comfortable income compared to many other professions. For per-diem or locum tenens optometrists in Garner, who often face variable scheduling, billing rates commonly fluctuate, with retail locations offering $500-$800 per day and specialized roles in OD/MD practices potentially exceeding $1,200 per day. Variability persists across employer types—private practices may offer lower hourly rates accompanied by benefits, while retail chains provide higher pay without similar benefits. When engaging in negotiations for hourly positions, especially in Garner's evolving optometry landscape, emphasizing experience and specialized training can provide leverage to secure advantageous compensation. Ultimately, understanding the specific nuances of optometrist hourly pay in NC, including the impact of practice type and patient base, is crucial for those in the field.
More salary data for Garner, NC:
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 Garner. 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 Garner 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