Optometrist Hourly Pay in DeSoto, TX: $64.73 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in DeSoto, TX runs $64.73 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $134,638 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against DeSoto's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $67.43 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $80,784 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the median hourly pay for optometrists in DeSoto, TX, is projected to be $64.73. This hourly rate is slightly below the national median of $67.60, suggesting that while local opportunities are competitive, they might not fully reflect the potential earnings available elsewhere in the United States. For part-time optometrists, specifically those working three days a week, this hourly rate can provide a stable income, amounting to approximately $82,000 annually before taxes. The range in hourly earnings spans from $37.54 for entry-level positions to about $99.01 for top-tier optometrists. Settings of employment may vary widely, including private exam rooms, retail optical chains, and even hospital systems, all of which can influence the hourly wage significantly.
About the DeSoto 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) | $37.54 | $300.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.57 | $404.59 |
| Median (P50) | $64.73 | $517.85 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76.73 | $613.81 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $99.01 | $792.05 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in DeSoto
Based on $64.73/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $64.73/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in DeSoto, TX can expect to earn approximately $134,640 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $77,677. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in DeSoto.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in DeSoto
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,589.24 | $11,220 | $134,640 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,553.54 | $6,732 | $80,784 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,035.70 | $4,488 | $53,856 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (DeSoto) | $64.73 |
| 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 DeSoto, TX earn a median of $134,638 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.25% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 0.20% above the Texas state average of $134,369.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $64.73/hr = $80,784/year (purchasing power: $84,150).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $134,640/year (purchasing power: $140,250).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$53.06/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$62.87/hr
2026 Current Est.
$64.73/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in DeSoto (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53.06/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $54.34/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $57.22/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $57.82/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $60.70/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $63.84/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $62.87/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64.73/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66.65/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in DeSoto grew 18.5% from $53.06/hr (2019) to $62.87/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $66.65/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 DeSoto 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 DeSoto
When considering part-time work, an optometrist who joins the workforce for just 24 hours a week can expect different financial outcomes than their full-time counterparts. Engaging in per diem work is also quite lucrative; optometrists may command daily rates between $500 and $1,200 depending on the nature of their practice and the complexity of procedures offered. For instance, fill-in roles at retail chains often yield $500 to $800, while specialized roles may pay over $700 daily. The type of practice significantly impacts hourly pay; private practices might offer lower hourly compensation but include benefits like health insurance, while retail chains provide higher rates without benefits. Negotiating these terms in DeSoto effectively can hinge on understanding local market conditions and salary expectations based on employer type, ensuring that optometrists align their compensation with their professional objectives.
More salary data for DeSoto, 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 DeSoto. 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 DeSoto 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