Optometrist Hourly Pay in Pierre, SD: $58.94 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Pierre, SD runs $58.94 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $122,596 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Pierre's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.8, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $63.52 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $73,563 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pierre, South Dakota, the optometrist hourly pay stands at a median of $58.94, which is notably lower than the national hourly median of $67.60. This difference suggests that optometrists in the area may face unique market conditions or cost of living considerations. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this rate translates into a viable income, especially within the typical settings like private exam rooms, retail optical chains, and VA outpatient clinics. Entry-level optometrists may start at approximately $34.18 per hour, with the top earners in the region making as much as $83.44 per hour. These figures, derived from annual salary data, reflect the various earning potentials that can influence career decisions among optometrists in Pierre.
About the Pierre Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($125,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34.18 | $273.46 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.19 | $401.54 |
| Median (P50) | $58.94 | $471.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $70.22 | $561.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $83.44 | $667.51 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pierre
Based on $58.94/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $58.94/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pierre, SD can expect to earn approximately $122,605 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $70,734. With a cost-of-living index of 92.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Pierre.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pierre
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,357.78 | $10,217 | $122,605 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,414.67 | $6,130 | $73,563 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $943.11 | $4,087 | $49,042 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Pierre) | $58.94 |
| 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 Pierre, SD earn a median of $122,596 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.81% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 6.00% below the South Dakota state average of $130,421.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $58.94/hr = $73,563/year (purchasing power: $79,270).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $122,605/year (purchasing power: $132,117).
CoL index: 92.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$48.31/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$57.25/hr
2026 Current Est.
$58.94/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Pierre (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48.31/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $49.49/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $52.11/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $52.65/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $55.28/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $52.40/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $57.25/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58.94/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60.69/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Pierre grew 18.5% from $48.31/hr (2019) to $57.25/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $60.69/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 Pierre 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 Pierre
Exploring part-time opportunities, an optometrist working 24 hours a week could take home about $45,000 annually, offering a solid income for those balancing other commitments. Per diem optometrists in Pierre often earn significantly more daily, billing between $500 and $800 at retail chains, while those filling in for OD/MD practices might charge between $700 and $1,200 per day. Variations in pay often hinge on employer types within Pierre, with private practices and retail chains likely offering different compensation structures. While some optometrists may opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance, others might pursue higher pay without benefits to maximize earnings. Negotiating for competitive rates is essential in this market, particularly given the evolving landscape of optometry and the increased demand for specialized services due to expanded scopes of practice.
More salary data for Pierre, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Pierre in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Pierre?
Are optometrists in Pierre paid hourly or salary?
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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 Pierre. 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 Pierre 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