Optometrist Hourly Pay in Lebanon, TN: $62.69 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Lebanon, TN runs $62.69 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $130,404 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Lebanon's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $68.29 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $78,240 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lebanon, TN, the projected median hourly pay for optometrists is set at $62.69, which falls short of the national hourly median of $67.60. This figure provides a solid foundation for understanding both full-time and part-time practitioners in the area. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this hourly rate translates to a competitive income while allowing for a more flexible schedule, which is appealing for many in the field. Per-diem optometrists find themselves earning varying rates, often dependent on the nature of their employment settings, which may include private optometry exam rooms, retail optical chains, or VA outpatient clinics. At the entry-level, optometrists can expect to earn approximately $36.37 per hour, with experienced professionals potentially reaching up to $89.19 per hour, highlighting the potential for growth as they advance in their careers.
About the Lebanon 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) | $36.37 | $290.92 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49.67 | $397.34 |
| Median (P50) | $62.69 | $501.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74.42 | $595.36 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $89.19 | $713.55 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lebanon
Based on $62.69/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $62.69/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lebanon, TN can expect to earn approximately $130,400 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $75,231. With a cost-of-living index of 91.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lebanon.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lebanon
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,507.69 | $10,867 | $130,400 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,504.62 | $6,520 | $78,240 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,003.08 | $4,347 | $52,160 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Lebanon) | $62.69 |
| 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 Lebanon, TN earn a median of $130,404 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.26% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 1.90% below the Tennessee state average of $132,930.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $62.69/hr = $78,240/year (purchasing power: $85,229).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $130,400/year (purchasing power: $142,048).
CoL index: 91.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$51.38/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$60.89/hr
2026 Current Est.
$62.69/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Lebanon (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51.38/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $52.63/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $55.42/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $55.99/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $58.79/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $55.43/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $60.89/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62.69/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64.55/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Lebanon grew 18.5% from $51.38/hr (2019) to $60.89/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $64.55/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 Lebanon 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 Lebanon
For part-time optometrists working in Lebanon, a 3-day workweek would result in a significantly different earning experience compared to their full-time counterparts. Optometrists in a part-time capacity, working around 24 hours per week, might take home a notable income, yet their annual earnings would pale in comparison to those working full-time. Per-diem roles are also attractive, with fill-in optometrists often able to command daily rates ranging from $500 to $800 in retail chains, or more in specialized OD/MD practices, which can offer between $700 and $1,200 per day. Employer types greatly influence these rates; private optometry practices may provide lower hourly pay due to overhead costs, while larger retail chains might offer competitive per diem opportunities. Furthermore, negotiating rates might require considerations for health benefits, as some optometrists might take lower hourly rates in exchange for stability and benefits. Understanding the dynamics of employer types and negotiating effectively is essential for those seeking to maximize their earning potential in Lebanon's optometry landscape.
More salary data for Lebanon, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Lebanon in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Lebanon?
Are optometrists in Lebanon paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Lebanon?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Lebanon?
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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 Lebanon. 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 Lebanon 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