Optometrist Hourly Pay in New Braunfels, TX: $55.81 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in New Braunfels, TX runs $55.81 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $116,087 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against New Braunfels's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $58.14 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $69,657 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In New Braunfels, the optometrist hourly pay is projected to be $55.81 in 2026. This figure is significantly below the national median of $67.60, which may influence decisions for those considering part-time or per-diem work in various settings such as private optometry exam rooms or retail optical chain locations. For part-time optometrists working three days a week, this hourly rate reflects their potential earnings in typical schedules that accommodate both personal commitments and professional responsibilities. Entry-level optometrists might expect a starting hourly wage around $32.37, while more experienced professionals, particularly those in specialized roles or in managerial positions, could command upwards of $81.53. Hourly rates for optometrists in New Braunfels are derived from the annual salary estimates but remain critical for understanding day-to-day earnings.
About the New Braunfels 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) | $32.37 | $258.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43.35 | $346.77 |
| Median (P50) | $55.81 | $446.52 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $67.08 | $536.63 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $81.53 | $652.27 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in New Braunfels
Based on $55.81/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $55.81/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in New Braunfels, TX can expect to earn approximately $116,094 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $66,978. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in New Braunfels.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in New Braunfels
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,232.58 | $9,675 | $116,094 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,339.55 | $5,805 | $69,657 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $893.03 | $3,870 | $46,438 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (New Braunfels) | $55.81 |
| 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 New Braunfels, TX earn a median of $116,087 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.44% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 13.60% below the Texas state average of $134,360.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $55.81/hr = $69,657/year (purchasing power: $72,559).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $116,094/year (purchasing power: $120,932).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$45.75/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$54.21/hr
2026 Current Est.
$55.81/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in New Braunfels (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45.75/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $46.86/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $49.34/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $49.85/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $52.34/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $63.60/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $54.21/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $55.81/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57.47/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in New Braunfels grew 18.5% from $45.75/hr (2019) to $54.21/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $57.47/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 New Braunfels 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 New Braunfels
Taking a closer look at the earning potential for various employment arrangements reveals intriguing dynamics. A part-time optometrist working 24 hours a week would earn significantly less than their full-time counterparts. However, per diem or locum tenens optometrists in New Braunfels, who can set their rates, often find themselves billing $500-$1,200 per day depending on their practice setting and level of specialization. These opportunities allow consideration of different rates based on the type of employer. For instance, private practices may offer more stability and benefits—though at potentially lower hourly compensation—while retail chains can provide higher hourly rates that may lack benefits such as health insurance. For optometrists in TX thinking about their next move, understanding these nuances is vital. Negotiation for hourly wages often depends on how well one can articulate their value in the context of these varied employer types, enhancing their appeal in an evolving field.
More salary data for New Braunfels, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in New Braunfels in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in New Braunfels?
Are optometrists in New Braunfels paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in New Braunfels?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in New Braunfels?
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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 New Braunfels. 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 New Braunfels 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