Optometrist Hourly Pay in Chattanooga, TN: $62.67 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Chattanooga, TN runs $62.67 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $130,347 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Chattanooga's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $68.52 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $78,214 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Chattanooga, TN, the optometrist hourly pay stands at a median of $62.67, reflecting a slight decrease compared to the national hourly median of $67.60. This competitive rate allows for various work arrangements, including part-time roles often spanning three days each week, which can provide flexible scheduling for those seeking a better work-life balance. For per-diem optometrists working within retail optical chains or private practices, the hourly pay range can fluctuate significantly, with entry-level positions starting around $23.36 and top-tier earners reaching up to $81.07. With the official BLS data revealing 60 employed optometrists in the area, these figures highlight the economic dynamics of optometry in Chattanooga, emphasizing the potential for a robust earning capacity in both traditional and non-traditional work environments.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.36 | $186.89 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.14 | $233.10 |
| Median (P50) | $62.67 | $501.37 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $77.35 | $618.83 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $81.07 | $648.57 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chattanooga
Based on $62.67/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $62.67/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chattanooga, TN can expect to earn approximately $130,357 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $75,206. With a cost-of-living index of 91.46 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Chattanooga.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chattanooga
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,506.87 | $10,863 | $130,357 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,504.12 | $6,518 | $78,214 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,002.75 | $4,345 | $52,143 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Chattanooga) | $62.67 |
| 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 Chattanooga, TN earn a median of $130,347 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.30% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 1.90% below the Tennessee state average of $132,872.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $62.67/hr = $78,214/year (purchasing power: $85,514).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $130,357/year (purchasing power: $142,523).
CoL index: 91.464 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$51.22/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$60.87/hr
2026 Current Est.
$62.67/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Chattanooga (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51.22/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $51.97/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $55.40/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $46.88/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $49.75/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $52.37/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $60.87/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62.67/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64.53/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Chattanooga grew 18.8% from $51.22/hr (2019) to $60.87/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $64.53/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 Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga
Part-time optometrists working 24 hours a week can expect to earn approximately $75,000 annually, which contrasts with the earnings of their full-time counterparts who are on track to make significantly more. Per-diem optometrists in Chattanooga, particularly those filling in for retail chains, typically collect fees of $500 to $800 per day, while those servicing OD/MD practices can command daily rates between $700 and $1,200. The variability in hourly rates is often tied to the employer type, with retail optical chains generally offering different compensation structures compared to private practices or hospitals. The balance between hourly compensation and benefits can be tricky; some optometrists may choose to accept lower hourly rates for stable health insurance, while others might prioritize higher pay without benefits. For those entering negotiations for optometrist hourly pay in Chattanooga, being well-informed about the local market and understanding the unique value they bring, including any residency training or specialization, can be key to securing a competitive rate.
More salary data for Chattanooga, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Chattanooga in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Chattanooga?
Are optometrists in Chattanooga paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Chattanooga?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Chattanooga?
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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 Chattanooga. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 6-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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