Optometrist Hourly Pay in McMinnville, OR: $68.77 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in McMinnville, OR runs $68.77 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $143,025 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against McMinnville's regional price level (BEA RPP 102.6, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $67.02 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $85,821 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In McMinnville, Oregon, the optometrist hourly pay is projected to be $68.77 in 2026, slightly above the national median of $67.60. This competitive pay allows for a comfortable lifestyle, particularly for those working part-time or in per-diem roles. For example, optometrists working three days a week (around 24 hours) can expect to bring home a solid income without committing to a full-time schedule. The hourly range for optometrists in McMinnville spans from $39.89 for entry-level positions to $96.79 for top earners. These estimates come from annual salary data and reflect pay rates typical across various work settings, including private optometry clinics, retail optical chains, and university teaching clinics.
About the McMinnville 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) | $39.89 | $319.09 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55.35 | $442.81 |
| Median (P50) | $68.77 | $550.14 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $80.99 | $647.91 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $96.79 | $774.34 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in McMinnville
Based on $68.77/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $68.77/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in McMinnville, OR can expect to earn approximately $143,035 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $82,520. With a cost-of-living index of 102.60 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in McMinnville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in McMinnville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,750.68 | $11,920 | $143,035 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,650.41 | $7,152 | $85,821 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,100.27 | $4,768 | $57,214 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (McMinnville) | $68.77 |
| 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 McMinnville, OR earn a median of $143,025 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.72% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 0.90% below the Oregon state average of $144,324.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $68.77/hr = $85,821/year (purchasing power: $83,646).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $143,035/year (purchasing power: $139,411).
CoL index: 102.6 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$56.36/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$66.79/hr
2026 Current Est.
$68.77/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in McMinnville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56.36/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $57.73/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $60.79/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $61.42/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $64.49/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $67.48/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $66.79/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68.77/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70.80/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in McMinnville grew 18.5% from $56.36/hr (2019) to $66.79/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $70.80/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 McMinnville 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 McMinnville
Part-time optometrists in McMinnville can generate considerable revenue without sacrificing work-life balance, earning notably less than full-time colleagues who work 40 hours weekly. These professionals might see annual earnings close to $106,198, while full-time practitioners can command far more. Per diem opthalmologists can expect varied earnings depending on the practice and setting; for instance, at retail chains, they might earn between $500 and $800 per day, while fill-in positions at OD/MD practices can yield $700 to $1,200 daily. The type of employer greatly influences hourly rates—those in retail optical chains may earn less than their counterparts in private practices or VA clinics, which often provide benefits that might be worth the trade-off. Optometrists must also consider practical negotiation strategies, focusing on the overall compensation package versus hourly pay, especially as benefits can significantly enhance total earnings.
More salary data for McMinnville, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in McMinnville in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in McMinnville?
Are optometrists in McMinnville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in McMinnville?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in McMinnville?
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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 McMinnville. 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 McMinnville 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