Optometrist Hourly Pay in Denton, TX: $64.22 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Denton, TX runs $64.22 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $133,560 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Denton's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $66.89 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $80,142 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Denton, TX, the optometrist hourly pay stands at a median of $64.22, which is slightly lower than the national median of $67.60. This competitive hourly rate reflects the opportunities available for part-time and per-diem optometrists, who often work in settings such as private optometry exam rooms and retail optical chains. Those who work just three days a week could expect to make around $49,000 annually, making these roles attractive to optometrists seeking flexibility. The hourly range for this occupation in Denton spans from $37.24 for entry-level positions to $96.68 for experienced practitioners, illustrating a diverse earning potential aligned with varying levels of expertise and experience in the field.
About the Denton Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37.24 | $297.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.36 | $410.85 |
| Median (P50) | $64.22 | $513.73 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79.95 | $639.59 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $96.68 | $773.44 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Denton
Based on $64.22/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $64.22/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Denton, TX can expect to earn approximately $133,570 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $77,059. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Denton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Denton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,568.65 | $11,131 | $133,570 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,541.19 | $6,678 | $80,142 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,027.46 | $4,452 | $53,428 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Denton) | $64.22 |
| 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 Denton, TX earn a median of $133,560 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.02% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 0.60% below the Texas state average of $134,366.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $64.22/hr = $80,142/year (purchasing power: $83,481).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $133,570/year (purchasing power: $139,135).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$52.63/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$62.37/hr
2026 Current Est.
$64.22/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Denton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52.63/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $53.91/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $56.77/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $57.36/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $60.22/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $63.33/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $62.37/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64.22/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66.12/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Denton grew 18.5% from $52.63/hr (2019) to $62.37/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $66.12/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 Denton 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 Denton
For part-time optometrists, working 24 hours a week can yield a considerable difference in annual take-home pay compared to full-time positions. Per-diem optometrists in Denton have the potential to earn between $500 and $800 a day at retail optical chains, while those filling in at MD practices could command between $700 and $1,200 daily. The variations in hourly rates across employer types offer insights into the employment landscape in the area; for instance, private practices might provide stability and health insurance, albeit at a lower hourly rate, while flexible agency opportunities often come without such benefits but promise higher pay. Negotiating effectively within these parameters is crucial, and optometrists are advised to consider not only the hourly pay but also the accompanying benefits when contemplating their options, especially in a market where the growth rate is projected at 2.96% over the next five years based on 2025 BLS data.
More salary data for Denton, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Denton. 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 Denton 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