Optometrist Hourly Pay in Odessa, TX: $63.88 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Odessa, TX runs $63.88 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $132,854 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Odessa's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $66.54 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $79,718 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Optometrists in Odessa, Texas, earn a median hourly rate of $63.88, which is slightly below the national median of $67.60. This rate is particularly relevant for part-time and per-diem workers within the city's diverse optometric settings, including private practices, retail chains, and outpatient care facilities. For an optometrist working three days a week, the potential earnings can be substantial, allowing for a flexible schedule while still providing a competitive income. The hourly pay range in Odessa spans from $37.05 at the entry-level to $95.50 for more experienced practitioners, offering a variety of opportunities that cater to different career stages and preferences. This hourly pay data derived from projected annual salaries gives a clear snapshot of what optometrists can expect based on their expertise and practice type in Odessa.
About the Odessa 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) | $37.05 | $296.36 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.69 | $405.50 |
| Median (P50) | $63.88 | $511.01 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $77.71 | $621.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $95.50 | $763.96 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Odessa
Based on $63.88/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $63.88/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Odessa, TX can expect to earn approximately $132,863 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $76,652. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Odessa.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Odessa
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,555.06 | $11,072 | $132,863 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,533.03 | $6,643 | $79,718 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,022.02 | $4,429 | $53,145 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Odessa) | $63.88 |
| 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 Odessa, TX earn a median of $132,854 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.52% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 1.10% below the Texas state average of $134,332.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $63.88/hr = $79,718/year (purchasing power: $83,039).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $132,863/year (purchasing power: $138,399).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$52.35/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$62.04/hr
2026 Current Est.
$63.88/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Odessa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52.35/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $53.63/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $56.47/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $57.05/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $59.90/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $63.00/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $62.04/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63.88/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65.77/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Odessa grew 18.5% from $52.35/hr (2019) to $62.04/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $65.77/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 Odessa 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 Odessa
Analyzing the earning potential for part-time optometrists reveals that a professional working 24 hours per week could net around $99,993 annually, a figure that emphasizes the benefits of selective employment strategies in Odessa. For those pursuing per diem work, optometrists often bill rates that can reach anywhere from $500 to $1,200 for daily shifts, making this option financially attractive. The variation in hourly pay can also reflect the type of employer; for example, retail optical chains generally offer lower rates compared to primary care optometry or specialist practices, where eye care is heavily tied to medical need and procedures. Optometrists must weigh the benefits of consistent hourly pay with health insurance against the flexibility and higher rates often associated with locum tenens or agency work. Negotiating these hourly rates is critical, especially in a market like Odessa where many practices are adapting to changing patient care models and business structures.
More salary data for Odessa, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Odessa in 2026?
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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 Odessa. 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 Odessa 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