Optometrist Hourly Pay in Rapid City, SD: $63.46 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Rapid City, SD runs $63.46 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $132,000 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Rapid City's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.8, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $68.39 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $79,204 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Rapid City, South Dakota, the optometrist hourly pay is projected to be $63.46 in 2026, which falls slightly below the national hourly median of $67.60. This hourly rate provides a substantial income for those working part-time or per diem. For example, an optometrist working three days a week could earn roughly $63,000 annually, considerably supporting their financial needs in private optometry exam rooms, retail optical chains, or VA outpatient centers. In this market, entry-level positions may see starting hourly rates around $36.81, while experienced professionals can earn up to $94.38, illustrating the growth potential in this career, especially as the field continues to evolve with advancements in scope-of-practice regulations.
About the Rapid City 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) | $36.81 | $294.47 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.30 | $402.37 |
| Median (P50) | $63.46 | $507.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $77.27 | $618.17 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $94.38 | $755.07 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Rapid City
Based on $63.46/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $63.46/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Rapid City, SD can expect to earn approximately $132,006 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $76,157. With a cost-of-living index of 92.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Rapid City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Rapid City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,538.58 | $11,001 | $132,006 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,523.15 | $6,600 | $79,204 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,015.43 | $4,400 | $52,803 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Rapid City) | $63.46 |
| 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 Rapid City, SD earn a median of $132,000 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.12% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 1.20% above the South Dakota state average of $130,435.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $63.46/hr = $79,204/year (purchasing power: $85,349).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $132,006/year (purchasing power: $142,248).
CoL index: 92.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$52.02/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$61.64/hr
2026 Current Est.
$63.46/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Rapid City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52.02/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $53.28/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $56.10/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $56.68/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $44.94/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $44.65/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $61.64/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63.46/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65.34/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Rapid City grew 18.5% from $52.02/hr (2019) to $61.64/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $65.34/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 Rapid City 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 Rapid City
Part-time optometrists in Rapid City can enjoy flexibility while still earning a competitive income. An optometrist working 24 hours a week may take home around $63,000 annually, compared to full-time peers earning substantially more. Per diem or agency optometrists often tap into lucrative daily rates; those filling in at retail chains typically earn between $500 and $800 daily, while positions in OD/MD practices may command $700 to $1,200 per day. Full-time roles often come with benefits, which solitarily enhance the overall compensation package despite lower hourly wages. Different employer types, such as private practices, retail optical chains, and VA medical centers, influence earning potential in Rapid City. Optometrists negotiating pay should weigh the balance of hourly rates versus benefits, and consider practical strategies specific to the local market for optimal career advancement.
More salary data for Rapid City, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Rapid City in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Rapid City?
Are optometrists in Rapid City paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Rapid City?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Rapid City?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in South Dakota
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 Rapid City. 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 Rapid City 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