Optometrist Hourly Pay in Franklin, TN: $70.55 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Franklin, TN runs $70.55 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $146,742 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Franklin's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $76.85 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $88,044 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Optometrists in Franklin, TN, can expect a median hourly pay of $70.55 in 2026, which surpasses the national median of $67.60. This favorable rate offers a solid opportunity for both part-time and per-diem optometrists who may work in various practice settings, including private optometry exam rooms, retail optical chains, and university teaching clinics. For those opting for flexible schedules, a part-time position three days a week can yield a substantial income, while newly licensed professionals might begin their careers at an entry-level hourly rate of $40.92, whereas more experienced optometrists can earn up to $104.44 hourly. It’s important to recognize that these figures are derived from annual salary data projections and reflect the increasing demand for eye care services in Franklin.
About the Franklin 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) | $40.92 | $327.33 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $57.28 | $458.21 |
| Median (P50) | $70.55 | $564.39 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $85.83 | $686.62 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $104.44 | $835.54 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Franklin
Based on $70.55/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $70.55/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Franklin, TN can expect to earn approximately $146,740 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $84,658. With a cost-of-living index of 91.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Franklin.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Franklin
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,821.93 | $12,228 | $146,740 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,693.16 | $7,337 | $88,044 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,128.77 | $4,891 | $58,696 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Franklin) | $70.55 |
| 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 Franklin, TN earn a median of $146,742 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.36% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 10.40% above the Tennessee state average of $132,918.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $70.55/hr = $88,044/year (purchasing power: $95,909).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $146,740/year (purchasing power: $159,848).
CoL index: 91.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$57.82/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$68.52/hr
2026 Current Est.
$70.55/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Franklin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57.82/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $59.23/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $62.36/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $63.01/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $66.16/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $55.25/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $68.52/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70.55/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72.64/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Franklin grew 18.5% from $57.82/hr (2019) to $68.52/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $72.64/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 Franklin 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 Franklin
When considering the part-time prospects for optometrists, an individual working three days per week, equating to about 24 hours, could earn around $85,000 annually compared to their full-time counterparts. In Franklin, per diem optometrists find themselves in a lucrative position, with rates typically ranging from $500 to $1,200 per day depending on the setting—at retail chains, they might earn around $500-$800, while in OD/MD practices, it can be significantly higher. The hourly rates fluctuate among employer types; private practices, retail chains like LensCrafters, and ophthalmology groups all offer varying benefits and pay scales. A commitment to full-time work may bring health insurance and retirement benefits, often leading to lower hourly wages compared to those willing to work without benefits. Therefore, negotiating pay rates in Franklin requires understanding these dynamics, emphasizing both monetary compensation and the value of additional benefits.
More salary data for Franklin, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Franklin in 2026?
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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 Franklin. 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 Franklin 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