Optometrist Hourly Pay in Clarksville, TN: $65.44 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Clarksville, TN runs $65.44 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $136,113 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Clarksville's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $71.96 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $81,671 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Clarksville, TN, the projected median hourly pay for optometrists is $65.44, which is slightly below the national median of $67.60. This competitive rate provides a robust earning potential, especially for professionals working part-time, such as those who may opt for a 3-day workweek in settings like retail optical chains or private practice exam rooms. For per-diem workers, the hourly compensation can vary widely, allowing for flexibility in scheduling while still delivering quality care. The hourly earnings in Clarksville range significantly, with entry-level optometrists earning around $23.56 per hour and seasoned professionals potentially making up to $79.10. These figures are drawn from official Bureau of Labor Statistics data for 2026, reflecting the local demand for optometric services amid an evolving healthcare landscape.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.56 | $188.46 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48.33 | $386.64 |
| Median (P50) | $65.44 | $523.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76.47 | $611.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $79.10 | $632.83 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Clarksville
Based on $65.44/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $65.44/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Clarksville, TN can expect to earn approximately $136,118 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $78,530. With a cost-of-living index of 90.95 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Clarksville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Clarksville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,617.66 | $11,343 | $136,118 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,570.59 | $6,806 | $81,671 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,047.06 | $4,537 | $54,447 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Clarksville) | $65.44 |
| 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 Clarksville, TN earn a median of $136,113 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.20% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 2.40% above the Tennessee state average of $132,923.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $65.44/hr = $81,671/year (purchasing power: $89,800).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $136,118/year (purchasing power: $149,667).
CoL index: 90.947 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$59.04/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$63.56/hr
2026 Current Est.
$65.44/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+14.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Clarksville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59.04/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $61.10/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $57.85/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $58.45/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $61.37/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $55.87/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $63.56/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65.44/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67.38/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Clarksville grew 7.7% from $59.04/hr (2019) to $63.56/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $67.38/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 Clarksville 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 Clarksville
For those considering part-time versus full-time work, a 24-hour workweek at the current hourly rate translates to an annual income of approximately $81,246, which differs significantly from full-time earnings. Per-diem or agency optometry arrangements can yield substantial daily compensation, with fill-in optometrists typically billing between $500 and $800 at retail locations, significantly enhancing their earning capability. Meanwhile, residency-trained ocular disease optometrists working in hospital systems may command $90 to $130 per hour. Hourly rates also exhibit variation across employer types in Clarksville, with private practices often offering lower pay but more benefits, while retail optical chains and ophthalmology practices might provide higher hourly rates without traditional perks. Negotiating your pay package to align with personal financial needs and desired benefits can be crucial in this dynamic field.
More salary data for Clarksville, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Clarksville in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Clarksville?
Are optometrists in Clarksville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Clarksville?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Clarksville?
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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 Clarksville. 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, 4-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