Optometrist Hourly Pay in Gallatin, TN: $61.95 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Gallatin, TN runs $61.95 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $128,868 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Gallatin's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $67.48 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $77,315 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Gallatin, Tennessee, the hourly pay for optometrists is projected to be $61.95 in 2026. This figure is slightly below the national median of $67.60, indicating that optometrists here may earn less on an hourly basis compared to their counterparts across the country. For part-time professionals working three days a week, which typically amounts to around 24 hours in a week, the earnings can equate to a comfortable living, particularly within local private optometry clinics, retail locations, and hospital outpatient settings. The hourly wage range in Gallatin varies significantly, with entry-level optometrists earning approximately $35.93 and experienced practitioners with specialized skills, such as residency-trained ODs, reaching up to $90.53 per hour. These estimates are derived from broader annual salary data, reflecting the diverse working environments and roles that optometrists engage in locally.
About the Gallatin 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) | $35.93 | $287.46 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.95 | $415.63 |
| Median (P50) | $61.95 | $495.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $75.00 | $599.97 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $90.53 | $724.26 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Gallatin
Based on $61.95/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $61.95/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Gallatin, TN can expect to earn approximately $128,858 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $74,341. With a cost-of-living index of 91.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Gallatin.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Gallatin
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,478.04 | $10,738 | $128,858 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,486.82 | $6,443 | $77,315 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $991.22 | $4,295 | $51,543 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Gallatin) | $61.95 |
| 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 Gallatin, TN earn a median of $128,868 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.35% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 3.00% below the Tennessee state average of $132,853.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $61.95/hr = $77,315/year (purchasing power: $84,221).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $128,858/year (purchasing power: $140,368).
CoL index: 91.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$50.78/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$60.17/hr
2026 Current Est.
$61.95/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Gallatin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50.78/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $52.01/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $54.76/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $55.33/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $58.09/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $54.78/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $60.17/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61.95/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63.78/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Gallatin grew 18.5% from $50.78/hr (2019) to $60.17/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $63.78/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 Gallatin 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 Gallatin
The earning potential for part-time optometrists in Gallatin becomes even more interesting when considering the annual income versus full-time positions. A part-time optometrist working three days a week at the projected hourly rate could take home around $48,000 annually, while full-time practitioners enjoy higher yearly earnings and potentially enhanced benefits. Per-diem optometrists, particularly those filling in at retail chains, typically command daily rates ranging from $500 to $800, while those stepping into OD/MD practices may see between $700 and $1,200 daily. The variation in pay is influenced by the types of employers in Gallatin, including private optometry practices, retail optical chains, and health systems. Some optometrists may choose positions with lower hourly pay in exchange for benefits like health insurance, creating a nuanced decision-making process for professionals in the field. Negotiating strategies tailored to the local market can lead to better outcomes for those seeking employment, whether they prioritize rates, benefits, or work-life balance.
More salary data for Gallatin, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Gallatin in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Gallatin?
Are optometrists in Gallatin paid hourly or salary?
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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 Gallatin. 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 Gallatin 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