Optometrist Hourly Pay in Gahanna, OH: $65.18 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Gahanna, OH runs $65.18 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $135,580 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Gahanna's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.7, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $71.87 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $81,350 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Gahanna, Ohio, optometrists earn an hourly median pay of $65.18, which is slightly below the national average hourly rate of $67.60. This rate reflects the financial landscape for various working arrangements, where part-time optometrists operating three days a week can expect to earn approximately $54,492 annually. For those working in diverse settings such as private optometry exam rooms, retail optical chains, or VA outpatient eye clinics, the hourly pay range spans from $37.81 at entry-level positions to as high as $91.23 for experienced practitioners. The numbers indicate that while the compensation is competitive, it also suggests that professionals in this field may need to consider different work environments, as pay can fluctuate depending on the specific practice type and location.
About the Gahanna Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($130,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37.81 | $302.46 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52.14 | $417.11 |
| Median (P50) | $65.18 | $521.47 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $77.86 | $622.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $91.23 | $729.86 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Gahanna
Based on $65.18/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $65.18/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Gahanna, OH can expect to earn approximately $135,583 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $78,221. With a cost-of-living index of 90.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Gahanna.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Gahanna
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,607.36 | $11,299 | $135,583 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,564.42 | $6,779 | $81,350 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,042.94 | $4,519 | $54,233 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Gahanna) | $65.18 |
| 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 Gahanna, OH earn a median of $135,580 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.58% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 1.30% below the Ohio state average of $137,366.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $65.18/hr = $81,350/year (purchasing power: $89,691).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $135,583/year (purchasing power: $149,485).
CoL index: 90.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$53.43/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$63.31/hr
2026 Current Est.
$65.18/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Gahanna (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53.43/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $54.72/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $57.62/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $58.22/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $61.13/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $55.97/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $63.31/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65.18/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67.11/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Gahanna grew 18.5% from $53.43/hr (2019) to $63.31/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $67.11/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 Gahanna 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 Gahanna
For practitioners exploring part-time opportunities, a three-day workweek (24 hours) results in an effective take-home income that can significantly reduce the stress of work-life balance while still providing a solid financial return. Per diem arrangements offer another avenue for earning potential, with optometrists billing between $500 and $800 per day at retail chains, while those working in OD/MD practices might earn between $700 and $1,200 per day. The rate varies across employment types in Gahanna; for instance, agency or locum tenens optometrists may command $90-$130 per hour, depending on the setting. Many choose to work for higher hourly rates without benefits, while others opt for positions offering health insurance, highlighting the trade-offs that characterize this profession. Successful negotiations often hinge on understanding specific employer needs and articulating one's unique value proposition, particularly in a city like Gahanna, where practices are adapting to scope-of-practice expansions and demographic changes.
More salary data for Gahanna, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Career Resources
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 Gahanna. 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 Gahanna 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