Optometrist Hourly Pay in Wake Forest, NC: $79.69 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Wake Forest, NC runs $79.69 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $165,756 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Wake Forest's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $85.14 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $99,454 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Wake Forest, North Carolina, the optometrist hourly pay is projected to be $79.69 in 2026, compared to the national median of $67.60. This favorable wage allows for diverse work arrangements, particularly beneficial for part-time and per-diem optometrists. Working just three days a week can result in a substantial increase in financial stability, especially in varied settings including private exam rooms, retail optical chains, and university clinics. The hourly range for optometrists spans from $46.64 at the low end to $119.44 for the highest earners, indicating that the profession retains strong earning potential across experience levels. These figures help shape the choices of many practitioners in the Wake Forest area, guiding their decisions between full-time and more flexible, per-diem opportunities.
About the Wake Forest 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) | $46.64 | $373.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $63.71 | $509.69 |
| Median (P50) | $79.69 | $637.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $97.59 | $780.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $119.44 | $955.55 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wake Forest
Based on $79.69/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $79.69/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wake Forest, NC can expect to earn approximately $165,757 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $95,629. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Wake Forest.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wake Forest
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,187.64 | $13,813 | $165,757 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,912.58 | $8,288 | $99,454 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,275.06 | $5,525 | $66,303 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Wake Forest) | $79.69 |
| 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 Wake Forest, NC earn a median of $165,756 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.88% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 1.40% below the North Carolina state average of $168,110.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $79.69/hr = $99,454/year (purchasing power: $106,255).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $165,757/year (purchasing power: $177,091).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$65.32/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$77.40/hr
2026 Current Est.
$79.69/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Wake Forest (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $65.32/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $66.90/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $70.45/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $71.18/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $74.73/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $57.68/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $77.40/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $79.69/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $82.05/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Wake Forest grew 18.5% from $65.32/hr (2019) to $77.40/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $82.05/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 Wake Forest 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 Wake Forest
Examining the specifics of part-time work in the optometry field shows considerable earning potential, as a 3-day workweek generally translates to lower annual take-home pay than a full-time schedule. Per-diem optometrists can expect daily earnings ranging from $500 to $800 at retail chains, whereas those filling roles in OD/MD practices may command from $700 to $1,200 each day. Residency-trained specialists often see per diem compensation at $90 to $130 per hour within hospital systems. However, it's crucial to navigate employer types in Wake Forest; optometrists in private practices may earn lower hourly wages in exchange for health benefits that retail chains typically do not provide. When negotiating compensation, understanding local salary standards and emphasizing the expanded scope of practice, including newer treatments and procedures, can strengthen an optometrist's position in salary discussions and create better opportunities for financial growth.
More salary data for Wake Forest, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Wake Forest in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Wake Forest?
Are optometrists in Wake Forest paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Wake Forest?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Wake Forest?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in North Carolina
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 Wake Forest. 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 Wake Forest 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