Optometrist Hourly Pay in McAllen, TX: $64.58 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in McAllen, TX runs $64.58 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $134,311 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against McAllen's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.9, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $75.18 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $80,591 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In McAllen, TX, optometrists can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $64.58, which slightly trails the national median of $67.60. This rate provides a significant opportunity for both part-time and per-diem workers, particularly those in settings such as private optometry exam rooms, retail optical chains, and VA outpatient clinics. For part-time professionals working three days a week, the potential for steady income remains attractive, while per-diem optometrists in McAllen benefit from a flexible work schedule. The hourly pay scale ranges from $19.35 for entry-level positions up to $86.18 for those at the top of the pay spectrum, as projected for 2026. This data, derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics figures, highlights how varying employer types influence compensation within the local market.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.35 | $154.77 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49.84 | $398.74 |
| Median (P50) | $64.58 | $516.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $67.05 | $536.38 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $86.18 | $689.42 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in McAllen
Based on $64.58/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $64.58/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in McAllen, TX can expect to earn approximately $134,319 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $77,492. With a cost-of-living index of 85.89 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in McAllen.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in McAllen
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,583.06 | $11,193 | $134,319 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,549.84 | $6,716 | $80,591 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,033.22 | $4,477 | $53,728 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (McAllen) | $64.58 |
| 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 McAllen, TX earn a median of $134,311 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.48% lower than the national median of $140,612.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $64.58/hr = $80,591/year (purchasing power: $93,826).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $134,319/year (purchasing power: $156,376).
CoL index: 85.895 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$49.78/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$62.72/hr
2026 Current Est.
$64.58/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in McAllen (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49.78/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $54.21/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $52.23/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $59.85/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $60.80/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $66.18/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $62.72/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64.58/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66.49/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in McAllen grew 26.0% from $49.78/hr (2019) to $62.72/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $66.49/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 McAllen 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 McAllen
Examining the financial landscape for optometrists working part-time reveals stark differences in annual earnings, especially for those who commit to three days a week. A part-time optometrist might take home around $75,000 annually, significantly less than their full-time counterparts. For those opting for per-diem work, daily rates can vary widely, with retail chains typically offering $500 to $800 per day, while ophthalmology practices might pay $700 to $1,200. Additionally, residency-trained ocular disease optometrists may command rates of $90 to $130 per hour in hospital settings. These varied rates also reflect differences in employment types, as private practices may pay less than larger retail chains or military health systems, which often provide benefits alongside a lower hourly wage. Consideration of benefits versus hourly pay is crucial; higher hourly rates may not initially seem appealing if they come without health insurance or retirement contributions. Negotiation strategies are vital for securing better pay in this competitive market, especially in McAllen where the scope of practice continues to expand, making a strong case for evaluation of compensation packages beyond mere hourly rates.
More salary data for McAllen, 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 McAllen. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 6-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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