Optometrist Hourly Pay in Galveston, TX: $64.77 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Galveston, TX runs $64.77 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $134,733 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Galveston's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $67.47 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $80,836 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Galveston, Texas, the optometrist hourly pay is projected to reach a median of $64.77 in 2026. This figure is slightly below the national hourly median of $67.60, but it still offers competitive rates within the local job market. Part-time optometrists working three days a week could expect to earn about $62,000 annually, making it a viable option for those desiring flexibility. The per diem opportunities are particularly appealing, with rates varying based on the type of employment setting. In Galveston, optometrists can find positions across diverse environments such as private practices, retail optical chains, and even VA outpatient clinics. Entry-level positions may start around $37.57 per hour, while highly experienced practitioners could command rates as high as $95.06 per hour.
About the Galveston 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) | $37.57 | $300.56 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.67 | $405.33 |
| Median (P50) | $64.77 | $518.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78.25 | $626.00 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $95.06 | $760.50 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Galveston
Based on $64.77/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $64.77/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Galveston, TX can expect to earn approximately $134,726 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $77,727. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Galveston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Galveston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,590.89 | $11,227 | $134,726 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,554.53 | $6,736 | $80,836 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,036.35 | $4,491 | $53,890 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Galveston) | $64.77 |
| 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 Galveston, TX earn a median of $134,733 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.18% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 0.30% above the Texas state average of $134,330.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $64.77/hr = $80,836/year (purchasing power: $84,204).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $134,726/year (purchasing power: $140,340).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$53.09/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$62.91/hr
2026 Current Est.
$64.77/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Galveston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53.09/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $54.38/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $57.26/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $57.85/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $60.74/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $63.89/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $62.91/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64.77/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66.69/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Galveston grew 18.5% from $53.09/hr (2019) to $62.91/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $66.69/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 Galveston 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 Galveston
An interesting aspect of optometrist pay in Galveston revolves around the various employment settings and their influence on earnings. For professionals considering part-time roles, such an arrangement can yield around $61,000 yearly, significantly lower than their full-time counterparts. On the other hand, per diem optometrists see average daily rates ranging from $500 to $1,200, depending on their workplace, establishing a lucrative niche for flexible work. Rates will differ across employer types, such as private optometry clinics and larger retail chains, where benefits like health insurance might be a trade-off for lower hourly wages. Optometrists negotiating hourly pay can leverage their educational background, especially those with residency training, to demand higher rates. Practitioners in Galveston should prepare for discussions on compensation, focusing on the benefits of their specialized skills or the potential trade-offs they are willing to accept, to optimize their job satisfaction and earning potential.
More salary data for Galveston, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Galveston in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Galveston?
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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 Galveston. 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 Galveston 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