Optometrist Hourly Pay in Mission, TX: $65.15 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Mission, TX runs $65.15 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $135,510 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Mission's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $67.87 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $81,311 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Mission, Texas, optometrists earn a median hourly rate of $65.15, which is slightly below the national median of $67.60. This rate has significant implications for part-time workers and those seeking per-diem positions. For example, an optometrist working three days a week would realistically earn a solid income, as rates generally fall within a spectrum that starts at $37.79 for entry-level professionals and can reach up to $99.18 for top-tier earners. Estimated from annual salary data, these hourly figures reflect the earning potential in various settings, including private optometry practices, retail optical chains, and veterinary outpatient eye clinics in Mission.
About the Mission 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) | $37.79 | $302.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.63 | $405.00 |
| Median (P50) | $65.15 | $521.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76.99 | $615.95 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $99.18 | $793.45 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Mission
Based on $65.15/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $65.15/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Mission, TX can expect to earn approximately $135,518 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $78,184. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Mission.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Mission
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,606.12 | $11,293 | $135,518 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,563.67 | $6,776 | $81,311 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,042.45 | $4,517 | $54,207 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Mission) | $65.15 |
| 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 Mission, TX earn a median of $135,510 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.63% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 0.90% above the Texas state average of $134,301.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $65.15/hr = $81,311/year (purchasing power: $84,699).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $135,518/year (purchasing power: $141,165).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$53.40/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$63.28/hr
2026 Current Est.
$65.15/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Mission (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53.40/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $54.70/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $57.59/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $58.19/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $61.10/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $63.62/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $63.28/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65.15/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67.08/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Mission grew 18.5% from $53.40/hr (2019) to $63.28/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $67.08/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 Mission 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 Mission
The earning potential for part-time optometrists in Mission can be quite lucrative when considering a typical 24-hour work week. For those who choose to work per-diem, the pay can vary significantly; industry trends show that fill-in optometrists at retail chains could bill anywhere from $500 to $800 per day, while those in OD/MD practice might earn between $700 and $1,200 daily. Hourly rates also shift based on employer types, with private practices generally offering varied compensation compared to large retailers like LensCrafters and Visionworks. Some optometrists may opt for positions that offer lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits such as health insurance. Negotiation remains key for hourly workers in Mission, especially in a competitive job market shaped by the expansion of optometric services like glaucoma management and oral medications, making understanding the local landscape critical for maximizing earnings.
More salary data for Mission, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Mission in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Mission?
Are optometrists in Mission paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Mission?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Mission?
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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 Mission. 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 Mission 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