Optometrist Hourly Pay in Rocky Mount, NC: $78.51 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Rocky Mount, NC runs $78.51 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $163,294 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Rocky Mount's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $83.88 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $97,977 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Rocky Mount, North Carolina, optometrists earn a median hourly rate of $78.51, a significant step above the national median of $67.60. This higher rate reflects the demand for eye care professionals in the area, especially within private optometry exam rooms, retail optical chains, and various medical facilities. For part-time optometrists working three days a week, this translates into an attractive earning potential, allowing for a balanced lifestyle while still generating substantial income. The hourly pay range varies widely, from $45.53 for entry-level positions to as much as $118.21 for seasoned practitioners. These estimates are derived from salary figures and offer insight into the various work settings available to professionals in this field.
About the Rocky Mount 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) | $45.53 | $364.23 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $63.08 | $504.67 |
| Median (P50) | $78.51 | $628.06 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $96.46 | $771.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $118.21 | $945.67 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Rocky Mount
Based on $78.51/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $78.51/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Rocky Mount, NC can expect to earn approximately $163,295 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $94,208. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Rocky Mount.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Rocky Mount
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,140.28 | $13,608 | $163,295 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,884.17 | $8,165 | $97,977 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,256.11 | $5,443 | $65,318 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Rocky Mount) | $78.51 |
| 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 Rocky Mount, NC earn a median of $163,294 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.13% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 2.90% below the North Carolina state average of $168,170.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $78.51/hr = $97,977/year (purchasing power: $104,676).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $163,295/year (purchasing power: $174,460).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$64.35/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$76.25/hr
2026 Current Est.
$78.51/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Rocky Mount (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64.35/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $65.91/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $57.67/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $59.73/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $63.37/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $56.82/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $76.25/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78.51/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80.83/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Rocky Mount grew 18.5% from $64.35/hr (2019) to $76.25/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $80.83/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 Rocky Mount 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 Rocky Mount
For those considering part-time or per-diem opportunities, the financial outlook can be quite favorable. An optometrist working 24 hours a week could expect to take home nearly $97,000 annually, compared to a full-time counterpart, which may reach much higher based on responsibility and practice setting. Per diem optometrists often find themselves charging between $500 and $800 daily at retail optical chains, with rates at OD/MD practices potentially exceeding $1,200 per day for specialized roles. Employer type significantly impacts hourly compensation, with private practices and retail chains often providing lower rates compared to ophthalmology groups or VA medical centers, which may offer added benefits. Some professionals opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance. Consequently, negotiating pay structures based on specific locations and practice types in Rocky Mount becomes essential for maximizing compensation.
More salary data for Rocky Mount, 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 Rocky Mount. 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 Rocky Mount 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