Optometrist Hourly Pay in Marion, OH: $62.89 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Marion, OH runs $62.89 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $130,806 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Marion's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.7, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $69.34 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $78,484 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Marion, Ohio, the projected optometrist hourly pay stands at $62.89, slightly below the national median hourly rate of $67.60. This translates to various employment scenarios for optometrists, particularly those working part-time or on a per-diem basis. For instance, a part-time optometrist working three days a week would earn a considerable income while enjoying a flexible schedule, with hourly rates meaningfully affecting their overall earnings. Additionally, the hourly range spans from $36.48 for entry-level practitioners to $89.55 for seasoned professionals, offering a pathway for newcomers to grow into higher-paying roles within diverse settings—including private examination rooms, retail optical chains, VA clinics, and even university teaching clinics.
About the Marion 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) | $36.48 | $291.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.39 | $411.10 |
| Median (P50) | $62.89 | $503.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74.84 | $598.73 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $89.55 | $716.44 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Marion
Based on $62.89/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $62.89/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Marion, OH can expect to earn approximately $130,807 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $75,466. With a cost-of-living index of 90.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Marion.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Marion
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,515.52 | $10,901 | $130,807 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,509.31 | $6,540 | $78,484 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,006.21 | $4,360 | $52,323 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Marion) | $62.89 |
| 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 Marion, OH earn a median of $130,806 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.97% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 4.70% below the Ohio state average of $137,257.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $62.89/hr = $78,484/year (purchasing power: $86,532).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $130,807/year (purchasing power: $144,219).
CoL index: 90.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$51.54/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$61.08/hr
2026 Current Est.
$62.89/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Marion (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51.54/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $52.80/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $55.59/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $56.17/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $58.97/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $54.00/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $61.08/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62.89/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64.75/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Marion grew 18.5% from $51.54/hr (2019) to $61.08/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $64.75/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 Marion 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 Marion
Examining the dynamics of hourly compensation in Marion reveals intriguing earning potentials. A part-time optometrist working 24 hours a week could end the year with earnings significantly less than their full-time counterparts, dependent largely on their hours and specific work arrangements. Per-diem optometrist pay in Marion typically fluctuates, with professionals often billing between $500 to $800 per day at retail chains and up to $1,200 for positions in more specialized OD/MD practices. Such variations underline the differences in hourly rates across employer types, from private practices with varying benefit structures to retail chains prioritizing volume. For some optometrists, the decision to accept lower hourly rates hinges on the allure of benefits like health insurance, while others might choose higher pay with less job security. Understanding the financial implications is crucial for setting fair compensation expectations, especially for those negotiating their hourly contracts in Marion's evolving optometry sector.
More salary data for Marion, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Marion in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Marion?
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Related Pages
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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 Marion. 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 Marion 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