Optometrist Hourly Pay in Irving, TX: $67.68 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Irving, TX runs $67.68 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $140,775 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Irving's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $70.50 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $84,459 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Irving, Texas, the optometrist hourly pay is projected at $67.68 in 2026, slightly above the national median of $67.60. This competitive hourly rate allows for versatile earning potential, catering well to part-time optometrists. For instance, practitioners working three days a week might earn around $48,000 annually, which is still a respectable income compared to others in the healthcare field. The pay range for optometrists in the area varies significantly, with entry-level salaries beginning around $39.26 per hour and top earners making up to $102.50 per hour. These figures, derived from annual salary data, reflect the diverse employment settings for optometrists in Irving, including private optometry practices, retail optical chains, and various medical facilities.
About the Irving 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) | $39.26 | $314.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52.01 | $416.04 |
| Median (P50) | $67.68 | $541.40 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $82.56 | $660.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $102.50 | $819.97 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Irving
Based on $67.68/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $67.68/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Irving, TX can expect to earn approximately $140,765 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $81,211. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Irving.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Irving
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,707.02 | $11,730 | $140,765 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,624.21 | $7,038 | $84,459 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,082.81 | $4,692 | $56,306 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Irving) | $67.68 |
| 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 Irving, TX earn a median of $140,775 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.12% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 4.80% above the Texas state average of $134,327.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $67.68/hr = $84,459/year (purchasing power: $87,978).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $140,765/year (purchasing power: $146,630).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$55.47/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$65.73/hr
2026 Current Est.
$67.68/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Irving (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55.47/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $56.82/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $59.82/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $60.45/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $63.46/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $66.76/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $65.73/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67.68/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69.68/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Irving grew 18.5% from $55.47/hr (2019) to $65.73/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $69.68/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 Irving 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 Irving
For those considering part-time positions or per-diem roles, Irving offers promising opportunities. A three-day workweek translates to consistent income, but for per diem optometrists, the earning landscape is even broader. Fill-in optometrists at retail chains can charge between $500 and $800 per day, while those in OD/MD practices often earn between $700 and $1,200 per day for temporary placements. Residency-trained optometrists working at hospital systems may command $90 to $130 per hour. Hourly rates differ significantly based on employer type as private practices and retail optical chains compete for talent. There is often a trade-off between higher pay rates and comprehensive benefits, leading some optometrists to prioritize job security and health insurance over immediate financial appeal. Understanding the nuances of hourly pay can empower practitioners to negotiate effectively, taking into account local market dynamics and personal career goals in Irving, TX.
More salary data for Irving, 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 Irving. 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 Irving 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