Optometrist Hourly Pay in Akron, OH: $64.95 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Akron, OH runs $64.95 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $135,094 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Akron's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $69.56 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $81,054 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Akron, Ohio, the median hourly pay for optometrists is projected to be $64.95 in 2026, which falls below the national median of $67.60 per hour. This hourly rate provides competitive earning potential for those seeking part-time work, such as a three-day workweek, where they can earn nearly $62,000 annually based on a typical schedule. Per-diem optometrists in this region can capitalize on their flexible work arrangements, with daily rates varying across practices. Those in private optometry settings, retail optical chains, or even clinics like VA outpatient facilities may see an hourly pay range from $32.18 at entry-level positions to $84.69 for experienced practitioners, reflecting the varied landscapes of optometry employment in Akron. These figures are based on official BLS OEWS data, with the profession’s broad applicability across different types of practices influencing potential income.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32.18 | $257.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.55 | $316.38 |
| Median (P50) | $64.95 | $519.58 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $77.04 | $616.36 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $84.69 | $677.56 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Akron
Based on $64.95/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $64.95/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Akron, OH can expect to earn approximately $135,090 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $77,937. With a cost-of-living index of 93.37 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Akron.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Akron
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,597.89 | $11,258 | $135,090 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,558.73 | $6,755 | $81,054 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,039.15 | $4,503 | $54,036 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Akron) | $64.95 |
| 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 Akron, OH earn a median of $135,094 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.92% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 1.60% below the Ohio state average of $137,290.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $64.95/hr = $81,054/year (purchasing power: $86,810).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $135,090/year (purchasing power: $144,683).
CoL index: 93.37 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$53.23/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$63.08/hr
2026 Current Est.
$64.95/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Akron (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53.23/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $59.86/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $47.98/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $63.11/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $60.91/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $67.11/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $63.08/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64.95/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66.87/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Akron grew 18.5% from $53.23/hr (2019) to $63.08/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $66.87/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 Akron 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 Akron
When analyzing the earnings landscape for optometrists in Akron, part-time practitioners working 24 hours a week can find their annual take-home significantly lower compared to their full-time counterparts, thus opting for this lifestyle requires strategic financial planning. Per diem optometrists, often billing between $500 and $800 a day within retail chains, see substantial daily earnings that can exceed traditional hourly pay scales. However, the compensation landscape varies; those practicing in private optometry or ophthalmology may command higher total compensation per hour due to the premium associated with specialized training or residency experience. Some optometrists might prioritize higher hourly rates in non-benefit roles, while others favor stability with jobs offering health insurance but at a reduced rate. Given the current trends in optometry, including the expanding scope of practice, savvy negotiation regarding benefits and hourly rates can greatly influence long-term career satisfaction in the Akron market.
More salary data for Akron, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Akron. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 6-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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