Optometrist Hourly Pay in Norman, OK: $60.91 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Norman, OK runs $60.91 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $126,694 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Norman's regional price level (BEA RPP 88.9, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $68.52 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $76,017 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Norman, Oklahoma, the optometrist hourly pay is projected at $60.91 in 2026, which falls below the national median hourly rate of $67.60. This figure allows for various work arrangements, especially for optometrists working part-time or on a per-diem basis. A practitioner working three days a week would earn a substantial hourly wage, making it a viable option for those seeking flexibility in their careers, whether in private exam rooms, retail optical chains, or university clinic settings. For entry-level positions, the lower end of the hourly range starts at $35.33, whereas top earners can achieve rates of $90.12. These estimates are informed by annual salary projections, which help contextualize the hourly landscape in this profession.
About the Norman Market
Salary estimated from Oklahoma average ($120,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35.33 | $282.60 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.09 | $400.72 |
| Median (P50) | $60.91 | $487.29 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $73.54 | $588.35 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $90.12 | $720.97 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Norman
Based on $60.91/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $60.91/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Norman, OK can expect to earn approximately $126,695 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $73,093. With a cost-of-living index of 88.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Norman.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Norman
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,436.45 | $10,558 | $126,695 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,461.87 | $6,335 | $76,017 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $974.58 | $4,223 | $50,678 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Norman) | $60.91 |
| 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 Norman, OK earn a median of $126,694 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.90% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 1.40% above the Oklahoma state average of $124,945.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $60.91/hr = $76,017/year (purchasing power: $85,509).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $126,695/year (purchasing power: $142,514).
CoL index: 88.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$49.92/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$59.16/hr
2026 Current Est.
$60.91/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Norman (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49.92/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $51.14/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $53.84/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $54.40/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $57.12/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $51.98/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $59.16/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60.91/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62.71/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Norman grew 18.5% from $49.92/hr (2019) to $59.16/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $62.71/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 Norman 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 Norman
The potential earnings for part-time optometrists in Norman can vary significantly. For an optometrist who operates on a part-time schedule, working approximately 24 hours a week, the annual income would reflect a solid income stream even if not as high as their full-time counterparts. Per diem optometry reflects a lucrative situation for fill-in or agency roles, with pay rates ranging from $500 to $1,200 per day, depending on the practice type and location. Rates in private optical settings or retail chains may lean toward the lower end, while specialty practices often command higher fees. Many optometrists face the trade-off between accepting a lower hourly rate for full benefits versus higher pay that lacks those advantages. When negotiating hourly wages in this market, practitioners should consider the employer type, potential patient volume, and the impact of residency training on compensation, particularly as more states expand the optometry scope to include advanced procedures. Understanding these nuances can help future optometrists in Norman navigate their career paths effectively.
More salary data for Norman, OK:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 Norman. 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 Norman 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