Optometrist Hourly Pay in Florence, SC: $60.06 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Florence, SC runs $60.06 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $124,916 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Florence's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $65.64 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $74,951 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Florence, South Carolina, the optometrist hourly pay is projected to be $60.06 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national median of $67.60 per hour. This figure is significant for part-time optometrists, such as those working three days a week, who may find themselves earning a stable income while maintaining a flexible schedule. Part-time positions typically attract those who prioritize work-life balance or have supplementary commitments. Moreover, per-diem optometrists who step into roles at various settings—including private optometry exam rooms, retail optical chains, or outpatient clinics—can expect hourly rates to range from approximately $34.83 for entry-level positions to as high as $84.20 for seasoned professionals. However, it is important to remember that these hourly rates are estimated based on annual salary projections.
About the Florence 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) | $34.83 | $278.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.45 | $403.60 |
| Median (P50) | $60.06 | $480.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $70.54 | $564.30 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $84.20 | $673.61 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Florence
Based on $60.06/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $60.06/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Florence, SC can expect to earn approximately $124,918 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $72,068. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Florence.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Florence
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,402.26 | $10,410 | $124,918 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,441.36 | $6,246 | $74,951 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $960.91 | $4,164 | $49,967 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Florence) | $60.06 |
| 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 Florence, SC earn a median of $124,916 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.16% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 2.90% below the South Carolina state average of $128,647.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $60.06/hr = $74,951/year (purchasing power: $81,913).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $124,918/year (purchasing power: $136,522).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$49.22/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$58.33/hr
2026 Current Est.
$60.06/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Florence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49.22/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $50.42/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $53.09/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $53.64/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $56.32/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $52.11/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $58.33/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60.06/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61.83/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Florence grew 18.5% from $49.22/hr (2019) to $58.33/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $61.83/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 Florence 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 Florence
Evaluating the earning potential for part-time optometrists in Florence sheds light on the financial realities of the profession. An optometrist working a 3-day week, totaling around 24 hours, could expect to take home roughly $74,992 annually, significantly less than their full-time counterparts. In the per-diem setting, filling in at retail chains might yield daily bills of $500 to $800, while in specialized OD/MD practices, rates can climb to $700 to $1,200 per day. Furthermore, factors like employer type strongly influence these rates; private optometry practices and ophthalmology settings typically pay less than retail chains. For some, the trade-off of accepting a lower hourly rate in exchange for benefits like health insurance can be appealing, highlighting the necessity for effective negotiation skills. Understanding these dynamics can empower optometrists in Florence, SC to make informed career decisions tailored to their personal and financial goals.
More salary data for Florence, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Florence in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Florence?
Are optometrists in Florence paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Florence?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Florence?
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 Florence. 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 Florence 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