Optometrist Hourly Pay in Klamath Falls, OR: $63.90 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Klamath Falls, OR runs $63.90 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $132,906 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Klamath Falls's regional price level (BEA RPP 102.6, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $62.28 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $79,743 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Klamath Falls, the optometrist hourly pay is projected at $63.90 in 2026, aligning below the national median of $67.60. This rate is significant for both full-time practitioners and those considering part-time or per-diem opportunities. For an optometrist working three days a week, typically 24 hours, this hourly pay translates into reliable income, enabling them to strike a balance between work and personal life while still earning a respectable rate. The hourly range for optometrists in Klamath Falls varies considerably, from $37.99 for entry-level positions to up to $90.15 for seasoned professionals. These figures are derived from annual salary estimations, reflecting what individuals can expect in typical settings, such as private optometry practices, retail optical chains, and healthcare facilities.
About the Klamath Falls Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37.99 | $303.94 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52.88 | $423.04 |
| Median (P50) | $63.90 | $511.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76.08 | $608.62 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $90.15 | $721.21 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Klamath Falls
Based on $63.90/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $63.90/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Klamath Falls, OR can expect to earn approximately $132,906 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $76,676. With a cost-of-living index of 102.60 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Klamath Falls.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Klamath Falls
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,555.88 | $11,075 | $132,906 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,533.53 | $6,645 | $79,743 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,022.35 | $4,430 | $53,162 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Klamath Falls) | $63.90 |
| 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 Klamath Falls, OR earn a median of $132,906 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.48% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 7.90% below the Oregon state average of $144,306.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $63.90/hr = $79,743/year (purchasing power: $77,723).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $132,906/year (purchasing power: $129,538).
CoL index: 102.6 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$52.37/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$62.06/hr
2026 Current Est.
$63.90/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Klamath Falls (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52.37/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $53.64/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $56.48/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $57.07/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $59.92/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $62.71/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $62.06/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63.90/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65.79/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Klamath Falls grew 18.5% from $52.37/hr (2019) to $62.06/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $65.79/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 Klamath Falls 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 Klamath Falls
The potential for earnings in Klamath Falls can vary based on the employment model adopted. A part-time optometrist working three days per week might earn a total of $79,248 annually, compared to a full-time counterpart who could command over $132,906. For those considering per diem or locum opportunities, the daily billing rates can significantly elevate earnings—optometrists filling in at retail chains might charge between $500 and $800 daily, while those in OD/MD practices could reach anywhere from $700 to $1,200. Notably, residency-trained practitioners in ocular disease often command higher rates, ranging from $90 to $130 per hour. Additionally, in Klamath Falls, the type of employer—whether a private practice, optical chain, or hospital—affects compensation. Some optometrists might opt for lower hourly rates when benefits are included, while others may prefer higher rates without benefits, balancing their financial needs against professional demands. Negotiation strategies can enhance hourly compensation, particularly in a smaller market like Klamath Falls where demand may vary.
More salary data for Klamath Falls, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Klamath Falls in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Klamath Falls?
Are optometrists in Klamath Falls paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Klamath Falls?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Klamath Falls?
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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 Klamath Falls. 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 Klamath Falls 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