Optometrist Hourly Pay in Columbia, TN: $62.27 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Columbia, TN runs $62.27 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $129,518 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Columbia's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $67.83 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $77,713 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the optometrist hourly pay in Columbia, TN, is projected to reach a median of $62.27, slightly below the national median of $67.60. For part-time workers, such as those practicing three days per week, this equates to a stable income, enabling flexibility while generating substantial earnings. Per-diem optometrists can expect varied compensation in Columbia, with many working in retail optical locations, private offices, or outpatient clinics. The hourly range for optometrists in this area spans from approximately $36.12 for entry-level positions to around $91.44 for highly experienced practitioners. These figures are derived from the annual salary data, which reflects the professional opportunities available within diverse environments such as VA outpatient clinics and university teaching clinics where optometrists frequently operate.
About the Columbia Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36.12 | $288.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48.80 | $390.42 |
| Median (P50) | $62.27 | $498.16 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $75.84 | $606.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $91.44 | $731.51 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Columbia
Based on $62.27/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $62.27/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Columbia, TN can expect to earn approximately $129,522 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $74,724. With a cost-of-living index of 91.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Columbia.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Columbia
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,490.81 | $10,794 | $129,522 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,494.48 | $6,476 | $77,713 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $996.32 | $4,317 | $51,809 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Columbia) | $62.27 |
| 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 Columbia, TN earn a median of $129,518 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.89% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 2.50% below the Tennessee state average of $132,838.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $62.27/hr = $77,713/year (purchasing power: $84,655).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $129,522/year (purchasing power: $141,092).
CoL index: 91.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$51.04/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$60.48/hr
2026 Current Est.
$62.27/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Columbia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51.04/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $52.28/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $55.05/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $55.62/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $58.39/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $55.05/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $60.48/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62.27/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64.11/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Columbia grew 18.5% from $51.04/hr (2019) to $60.48/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $64.11/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 Columbia 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 Columbia
Considering a part-time schedule, an optometrist working 24 hours a week could earn substantial annual income, though it would still fall short compared to full-time counterparts who typically work around 40 hours weekly. Per-diem arrangements allow for flexible working hours, with rates ranging significantly based on the setting; for instance, agency optometrists may charge $500-$800 per day at retail chains or even higher in clinical settings, reaching $700-$1,200 daily for OD/MD practices. Salaries fluctuate depending on the employer type, with private practices and larger retail chains like Walmart Vision generally offering different compensation structures. While some optometrists might prioritize positions with lower hourly rates for the benefits they offer, others may pursue higher-paying roles without benefits for greater take-home pay. For those working in Columbia, negotiating terms will be crucial, especially given the competitive market for optometrists in both private and retail practice environments.
More salary data for Columbia, TN:
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 Columbia. 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 Columbia 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