Optometrist Hourly Pay in Upper Arlington, OH: $62.57 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Upper Arlington, OH runs $62.57 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $130,134 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Upper Arlington's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.7, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $68.98 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $78,086 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Upper Arlington, Ohio, the projected median hourly pay for an optometrist stands at $62.57, which is notably lower than the national median of $67.60. This hourly rate provides a solid income for optometrists working in various settings, whether part-time or as per-diem workers. For instance, those who work three days a week can still enjoy a reasonable work-life balance while making respectable earnings. In terms of financial expectations, entry-level optometrists may see hourly rates starting around $36.28, while experienced professionals in the top 10% could command as much as $88.51. These figures, presented as estimates derived from annual salary data, highlight the income potential for optometrists in private practices, retail optical chains, and healthcare facilities across Upper Arlington.
About the Upper Arlington 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) | $36.28 | $290.26 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.74 | $405.91 |
| Median (P50) | $62.57 | $500.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $75.46 | $603.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $88.51 | $708.12 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Upper Arlington
Based on $62.57/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $62.57/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Upper Arlington, OH can expect to earn approximately $130,143 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $75,083. With a cost-of-living index of 90.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Upper Arlington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Upper Arlington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,502.75 | $10,845 | $130,143 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,501.65 | $6,507 | $78,086 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,001.10 | $4,338 | $52,057 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Upper Arlington) | $62.57 |
| 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 Upper Arlington, OH earn a median of $130,134 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.45% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 5.20% below the Ohio state average of $137,272.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $62.57/hr = $78,086/year (purchasing power: $86,092).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $130,143/year (purchasing power: $143,487).
CoL index: 90.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$51.28/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$60.77/hr
2026 Current Est.
$62.57/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Upper Arlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51.28/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $52.53/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $55.31/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $55.88/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $58.67/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $53.72/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $60.77/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62.57/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64.42/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Upper Arlington grew 18.5% from $51.28/hr (2019) to $60.77/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $64.42/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 Upper Arlington 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 Upper Arlington
Considering part-time opportunities, a 3-day workweek for an optometrist equates to roughly 24 hours, translating to a substantial annual income, albeit less than a full-time position. Per-diem optometrists in Upper Arlington often find lucrative opportunities, with daily compensation ranging from $500 to $1,200 depending on practice type; for instance, retail chains might pay $500-$800 daily while specialty practices may reach up to $1,200. The hourly rates can differ significantly between various employer types, with private optometry offices typically offering more comprehensive benefit packages but at lower hourly rates compared to the higher independent work that lacks benefits. Strategies for negotiation, especially for those seeking hourly positions, often rely on proving value in skills or focusing on the competitive landscape in Upper Arlington. Optometrists may need to weigh the trade-offs of lower pay with benefits against higher pay without insurance, adjusting their strategy based on personal needs and professional goals.
More salary data for Upper Arlington, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Upper Arlington 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 Upper Arlington. 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 Upper Arlington 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