Optometrist Hourly Pay in Minot, ND: $61.08 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Minot, ND runs $61.08 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $127,043 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Minot's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.0, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $66.39 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $76,223 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Optometrists in Minot, North Dakota, earn a median hourly pay of $61.08, which is below the national median of $67.60. This hourly rate can significantly impact those working part-time or on a per-diem basis. An optometrist who works three days a week would gross around $48,846 annually, which can make this occupation a feasible option for professionals seeking flexible schedules. The range of hourly pay for optometrists in Minot spans from $35.43 at the lower end to $87.00 for the highest earners, reflecting the varying levels of experience and types of practice settings within the city. Most optometrists work in environments such as private exam rooms, retail optical chains, or specialized healthcare facilities, where such hourly estimates are derived from projected annual salaries.
About the Minot Market
Salary estimated from North Dakota average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35.43 | $283.43 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48.45 | $387.62 |
| Median (P50) | $61.08 | $488.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $72.57 | $580.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $87.00 | $696.01 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Minot
Based on $61.08/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $61.08/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Minot, ND can expect to earn approximately $127,038 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $73,291. With a cost-of-living index of 92.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Minot.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Minot
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,443.03 | $10,586 | $127,038 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,465.82 | $6,352 | $76,223 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $977.21 | $4,235 | $50,815 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Minot) | $61.08 |
| 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 Minot, ND earn a median of $127,043 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.65% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 1.80% below the North Dakota state average of $129,372.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $61.08/hr = $76,223/year (purchasing power: $82,851).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $127,038/year (purchasing power: $138,085).
CoL index: 92 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$50.06/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$59.32/hr
2026 Current Est.
$61.08/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Minot (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50.06/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $51.28/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $53.99/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $54.55/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $57.27/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $55.60/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $59.32/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61.08/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62.88/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Minot grew 18.5% from $50.06/hr (2019) to $59.32/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $62.88/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 Minot 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 Minot
Part-time work as an optometrist provides unique earning dynamics compared to full-time positions. For someone working three days a week, the annual pay may appear modest, but the flexibility allows many to balance other life priorities. In per-diem situations, optometrists can expect to earn anywhere from $500 to $1,200 daily depending on their settings. Retail chains may offer lower per diem rates, while specialized practices may provide higher compensation particularly for residency-trained professionals. Factors such as the practice environment—whether it’s a private optometry office, a retail chain, or a VA clinic—can influence hourly rates considerably. Furthermore, some optometrists might accept lower pay for the benefits associated with full-time work, including health insurance, while others might prefer higher hourly rates with flexible working arrangements. Negotiating can be critical in this market; professionals should confidently articulate their experience and consider the overall compensation package, rather than just focusing on the base hourly rate, to find the best fit for their needs in Minot, ND.
More salary data for Minot, ND:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Minot in 2026?
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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 Minot. 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 Minot 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