Optometrist Hourly Pay in Portland, OR: $67.45 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Portland, OR runs $67.45 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $140,283 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Portland's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.4, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $63.98 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $84,176 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Portland, Oregon, sees optometrists earn a median hourly pay of $67.45, slightly below the national median of $67.60. This competitive wage provides ample opportunities for both part-time and per-diem optometrists, allowing those who work three days a week in various settings—such as private optometry practices, retail optical chains, and outpatient eye clinics—to maintain a viable income. For entry-level positions, hourly rates start at approximately $44.41, while seasoned practitioners can earn upwards of $82.59, showcasing a substantial range influenced by experience and employer type. Such figures come from the official Bureau of Labor Statistics data and offer a clear perspective on the financial landscape for optometrists in the city.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44.41 | $355.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52.19 | $417.52 |
| Median (P50) | $67.45 | $539.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $75.58 | $604.66 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $82.59 | $660.76 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Portland
Based on $67.45/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $67.45/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Portland, OR can expect to earn approximately $140,294 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $80,939. With a cost-of-living index of 105.42 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Portland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Portland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,697.96 | $11,691 | $140,294 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,618.78 | $7,015 | $84,176 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,079.19 | $4,676 | $56,118 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Portland) | $67.45 |
| 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 Portland, OR earn a median of $140,283 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.23% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 2.80% below the Oregon state average of $144,324.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $67.45/hr = $84,176/year (purchasing power: $79,848).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $140,294/year (purchasing power: $133,080).
CoL index: 105.421 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$50.26/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$65.51/hr
2026 Current Est.
$67.45/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Portland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50.26/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $56.51/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $63.25/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $60.11/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $63.78/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $63.51/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $65.51/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67.45/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69.45/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Portland grew 30.3% from $50.26/hr (2019) to $65.51/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $69.45/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 Portland 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 Portland
With the potential for substantial earnings, part-time work for optometrists becomes an appealing option. Taking a 24-hour workweek as a basis, a part-time optometrist would average around $86,376 annually, striking a nice balance between work and personal life when compared to full-time counterparts. Furthermore, per diem optometrists in Portland often command impressive daily rates; retail chain positions can range from $500 to $800 per day, while the more specialized OD/MD practices see fill-in rates from $700 to $1,200. The decision between working for private practices or optometry chains can significantly impact earnings. While some may prefer retail chains for stable hourly pay, they may sacrifice benefits typically offered by private practices. Experience negotiating contracts is key in this evolving marketplace, particularly as varied employer types across Portland—including vision plans and VA medical centers—affect rates and job satisfaction. Ultimately, understanding these dynamics can empower professionals to make informed decisions about their career paths in optometry.
More salary data for Portland, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Portland. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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