Optometrist Hourly Pay in Columbus, OH: $66.02 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Columbus, OH runs $66.02 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $137,318 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Columbus's regional price level (BEA RPP 95.5, 5% below national), each hour of work buys what $69.15 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $82,390 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Columbus, the optometrist hourly pay stands at a median of $66.02, which is slightly below the national median of $67.60. This data reflects the competitive landscape for optometrists working in various settings such as private practices, retail optical chains, and VA outpatient clinics. For those considering part-time or per-diem roles, the hourly rate can translate into significant earnings, especially given the wide range between entry-level positions at $33.34 and more experienced practitioners earning up to $104.94 per hour. This official BLS data, projected for 2026, highlights the increasing opportunities within the profession and offers valuable insights for optometrists seeking flexible work arrangements while balancing other commitments.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33.34 | $266.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $58.29 | $466.29 |
| Median (P50) | $66.02 | $528.14 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $82.16 | $657.30 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $104.94 | $839.49 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Columbus
Based on $66.02/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $66.02/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Columbus, OH can expect to earn approximately $137,317 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $79,222. With a cost-of-living index of 95.47 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Columbus.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Columbus
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,640.72 | $11,443 | $137,317 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,584.43 | $6,866 | $82,390 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,056.29 | $4,577 | $54,927 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Columbus) | $66.02 |
| 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 Columbus, OH earn a median of $137,318 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.34% lower than the national median of $140,612.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $66.02/hr = $82,390/year (purchasing power: $86,301).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $137,317/year (purchasing power: $143,834).
CoL index: 95.469 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$55.97/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$64.12/hr
2026 Current Est.
$66.02/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+21.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Columbus (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55.97/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $51.12/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $49.29/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $62.18/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $60.64/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $64.69/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $64.12/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66.02/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67.97/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Columbus grew 14.6% from $55.97/hr (2019) to $64.12/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $67.97/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 Columbus 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 Columbus
The earning potential for part-time optometrists who work three days a week, totaling about 24 hours, results in a considerable income difference compared to their full-time counterparts. While full-time optometrists may reap the benefits of benefits packages, per diem optometrists often find lucrative opportunities billing anywhere from $500 to $1,200 a day, depending on the setting. In Columbus, variations in hourly rates are evident across employment types; for instance, optometrists at retail chains might earn less than those in private practices or hospital settings. Many professionals in the field may opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for health insurance and stable hours, emphasizing the importance of benefits versus pay. When negotiating hourly rates, be prepared to leverage the growing demand for optometrists, especially those with residency training or specialized skills in glaucoma management, and highlight your unique credentials to potential employers in the Columbus market.
More salary data for Columbus, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Columbus in 2026?
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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 Columbus. 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, 7-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