Optometrist Hourly Pay in Anderson, SC: $75.64 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Anderson, SC runs $75.64 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $157,352 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Anderson's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $82.67 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $94,405 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Anderson, South Carolina, the optometrist hourly pay is projected to reach $75.64 in 2026, significantly higher than the national median hourly rate of $67.60. This rate is advantageous for part-time workers, such as those who operate on a three-day workweek schedule, potentially leading to comfortable earnings while maintaining a work-life balance. Per-diem opportunities, which are common in various settings like private optometry exam rooms, retail optical chains, and VA outpatient clinics, can further boost income. In this market, hourly rates range from approximately $43.88 at lower experience levels to around $106.65 for top earners, indicating a diverse income landscape within the profession. These figures provide insight into how hourly rates are estimated from annual salaries among optometrists in the region.
About the Anderson Market
Salary estimated from South Carolina average ($122,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $43.88 | $351.05 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $60.98 | $487.87 |
| Median (P50) | $75.64 | $605.16 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $89.19 | $713.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $106.65 | $853.17 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Anderson
Based on $75.64/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $75.64/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Anderson, SC can expect to earn approximately $157,341 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $90,774. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Anderson.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Anderson
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,025.79 | $13,112 | $157,341 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,815.47 | $7,867 | $94,405 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,210.32 | $5,245 | $62,936 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Anderson) | $75.64 |
| 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 Anderson, SC earn a median of $157,352 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.91% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 22.30% above the South Carolina state average of $128,660.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $75.64/hr = $94,405/year (purchasing power: $103,174).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $157,341/year (purchasing power: $171,957).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$62.00/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$73.47/hr
2026 Current Est.
$75.64/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Anderson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62.00/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $63.51/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $66.87/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $67.56/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $70.94/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $53.26/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $73.47/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $75.64/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $77.88/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Anderson grew 18.5% from $62.00/hr (2019) to $73.47/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $77.88/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 Anderson 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 Anderson
For an optometrist working part-time in Anderson, the earning potential can still be robust. A practitioner working just three days a week, totaling around 24 hours, can take home significantly less annually than their full-time counterparts while enjoying a flexible schedule. On the per-diem front, fill-in optometrists at retail chains typically earn between $500 to $800 per day, while those in OD/MD practices might see daily rates from $700 to $1,200, depending on the facility's nature. The market also reflects varied hourly rates based on employer types, including private practices, retail chains, and military clinics, which influences overall compensation. Optometrists may need to weigh the trade-offs between accepting lower hourly rates with benefits compared to higher rates without healthcare coverage. When negotiating salaries, professionals in Anderson should consider local market dynamics and health care demands to maximize their compensation effectively.
More salary data for Anderson, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Anderson in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Anderson?
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How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Anderson?
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Related Pages
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Nearby Cities in South Carolina
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 Anderson. 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 Anderson 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