Optometrist Hourly Pay in Sumter, SC: $58.90 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Sumter, SC runs $58.90 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $122,530 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Sumter's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $64.38 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $73,511 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Sumter, South Carolina, optometrists earn a median hourly rate of $58.90, which falls below the national hourly median of $67.60. This difference offers insights into the earning potential for part-time and per-diem optometrists within various settings, including private practices, retail optical chains, and university clinics. For professionals working three days a week, typically around 24 hours, this translates to a substantial yet modest income that can suit those seeking flexibility. The hourly range for optometrists in Sumter spans from $34.17 for entry-level positions up to $86.13 for the highest earners. Such figures, derived from annual salary data, reflect the diverse opportunities in the field and highlight the unique financial positioning of optometrists in this region.
About the Sumter 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) | $34.17 | $273.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48.11 | $384.91 |
| Median (P50) | $58.90 | $471.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $71.34 | $570.73 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $86.13 | $689.01 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Sumter
Based on $58.90/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $58.90/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Sumter, SC can expect to earn approximately $122,519 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $70,684. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Sumter.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Sumter
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,356.14 | $10,210 | $122,519 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,413.68 | $6,126 | $73,511 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $942.45 | $4,084 | $49,008 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Sumter) | $58.90 |
| 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 Sumter, SC earn a median of $122,530 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.86% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 4.80% below the South Carolina state average of $128,708.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $58.90/hr = $73,511/year (purchasing power: $80,340).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $122,519/year (purchasing power: $133,901).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$48.28/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$57.21/hr
2026 Current Est.
$58.90/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Sumter (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48.28/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $49.45/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $52.07/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $52.61/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $55.24/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $51.11/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $57.21/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58.90/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60.65/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Sumter grew 18.5% from $48.28/hr (2019) to $57.21/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $60.65/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 Sumter 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 Sumter
For those considering part-time work, the financial picture varies significantly compared to full-time employment. An optometrist working three days a week at 24 hours would earn considerably less in total annual income than a full-time counterpart. Meanwhile, per diem optometrists in Sumter have the potential to command daily rates, billing between $500 to $800 for retail chains and up to $1,200 in specialized practices. Each work environment presents different hourly rates; for instance, private practices often pay less but offer benefits, while retail chains might provide higher hourly wages without health insurance. Optometrists in Sumter should weigh their hourly pay against the benefits that come with certain employer types, especially in a market where compensation may vary due to expanded roles in glaucoma management and other advanced treatments. Ultimately, negotiation strategies should align with career goals, considering factors such as benefits and work-life balance to determine the best hourly arrangement.
More salary data for Sumter, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Sumter. 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 Sumter 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