Optometrist Hourly Pay in Rowlett, TX: $63.26 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Rowlett, TX runs $63.26 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $131,575 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Rowlett's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $65.89 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $78,947 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Rowlett, TX, optometrists earn a median hourly rate of $63.26, which is slightly lower than the national median of $67.60. This rate reflects the average earnings in diverse work environments such as independent practices, retail optical chains, and government clinics. For part-time optometrists working three days a week, this hourly pay can translate to a solid income while allowing flexibility. Entry-level positions may start around $36.68, while more experienced optometrists can earn up to $94.00 per hour. These estimates derived from projected annual salary data for 2026 show that hourly compensation varies widely based on factors such as experience, location, and the type of practice setting.
About the Rowlett 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) | $36.68 | $293.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.09 | $400.72 |
| Median (P50) | $63.26 | $506.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76.97 | $615.78 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $94.00 | $752.02 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Rowlett
Based on $63.26/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $63.26/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Rowlett, TX can expect to earn approximately $131,578 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $75,910. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Rowlett.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Rowlett
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,530.34 | $10,965 | $131,578 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,518.21 | $6,579 | $78,947 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,012.14 | $4,386 | $52,631 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Rowlett) | $63.26 |
| 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 Rowlett, TX earn a median of $131,575 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.43% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 2.00% below the Texas state average of $134,260.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $63.26/hr = $78,947/year (purchasing power: $82,236).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $131,578/year (purchasing power: $137,060).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$51.85/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$61.44/hr
2026 Current Est.
$63.26/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Rowlett (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51.85/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $53.11/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $55.92/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $56.50/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $59.32/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $62.39/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $61.44/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63.26/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65.13/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Rowlett grew 18.5% from $51.85/hr (2019) to $61.44/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $65.13/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 Rowlett 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 Rowlett
Switching to a more detailed analysis of earnings reveals unique financial dynamics within the optometry field in Rowlett. For instance, a part-time optometrist working 24 hours a week could take home approximately $78,643 annually, contrasting with a full-time counterpart earning significantly more. Per diem opportunities for optometrists typically range from $500 to $1,200 per day, offering lucrative options, particularly in retail chain settings and specialized practices. The choice to work with different employers can impact earnings, as hourly rates differ across private practices, retail chains like LensCrafters, and healthcare institutions such as VA medical centers. While some optometrists may accept lower hourly wages to secure benefits like health insurance, others might prioritize higher hourly rates in positions without those perks. For professionals navigating the Rowlett job market, understanding these nuances can provide strategic advantages in salary negotiations.
More salary data for Rowlett, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Rowlett in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Rowlett?
Are optometrists in Rowlett paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Rowlett?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Rowlett?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Texas
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 Rowlett. 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 Rowlett 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