Optometrist Hourly Pay in Hilliard, OH: $62.49 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Hilliard, OH runs $62.49 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $129,975 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Hilliard's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.7, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $68.89 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $77,983 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hilliard, Ohio, the optometrist hourly pay is projected to reach a median rate of $62.49 in 2026. This figure is slightly lower than the national median hourly pay for the profession, which stands at $67.60. Such an hourly rate allows for a comfortable living, particularly for part-time optometrists working three days a week, earning approximately $999 to $1,200 weekly, depending on their schedule. In this profession, hourly wages can vary significantly, with the range spanning from $36.24 at the lower end for entry-level positions to $88.42 for experienced top earners. Optometrists typically practice in environments such as private exam rooms, retail optical chains, and VA outpatient clinics, reflecting diverse settings that contribute to their earning potential.
About the Hilliard 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) | $36.24 | $289.94 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49.19 | $393.55 |
| Median (P50) | $62.49 | $499.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $73.88 | $591.07 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $88.42 | $707.38 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hilliard
Based on $62.49/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $62.49/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hilliard, OH can expect to earn approximately $129,972 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $74,984. With a cost-of-living index of 90.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Hilliard.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hilliard
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,499.46 | $10,831 | $129,972 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,499.67 | $6,499 | $77,983 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $999.78 | $4,332 | $51,989 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Hilliard) | $62.49 |
| 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 Hilliard, OH earn a median of $129,975 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.56% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 5.30% below the Ohio state average of $137,249.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $62.49/hr = $77,983/year (purchasing power: $85,979).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $129,972/year (purchasing power: $143,299).
CoL index: 90.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$51.22/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$60.69/hr
2026 Current Est.
$62.49/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Hilliard (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51.22/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $52.46/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $55.24/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $55.81/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $58.60/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $53.66/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $60.69/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62.49/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64.34/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Hilliard grew 18.5% from $51.22/hr (2019) to $60.69/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $64.34/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 Hilliard 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 Hilliard
Financial considerations for part-time optometrists in Hilliard reveal earnings discrepancies compared to full-time colleagues. For instance, working just 24 hours weekly can lead to an annual income between approximately $52,000 to $62,500, which can be attractive for those seeking work-life balance. Per diem optometrists often find lucrative opportunities, charging anywhere from $500 to $1,200 daily, based on employer type and practice setting. Different employer structures influence hourly rates significantly; for example, solo practices may offer lower pay than ophthalmology partnerships or retail chains. While some may opt for higher hourly pay, they often weigh the benefits of health insurance and retirement plans available in full-time roles. For new graduates or seasoned professionals, negotiating for hourly rates in Hilliard could involve pointing out skill sets, such as residency training or certifications, to enhance perceived value in a market still adjusting from increased consolidation in the optometry field.
More salary data for Hilliard, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Hilliard in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Hilliard?
Are optometrists in Hilliard paid hourly or salary?
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Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Hilliard?
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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 Hilliard. 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 Hilliard 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