Optometrist Hourly Pay in Temple, TX: $78.77 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Temple, TX runs $78.77 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $163,855 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Temple's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $82.06 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $98,311 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Temple, Texas, the average optometrist hourly pay stands at an impressive $78.77, reflecting a robust demand for eye care professionals in the area. This rate surpasses the national median of $67.60, providing an attractive incentive for both full-time and part-time optometrists. Those working part-time, such as in private practice or retail optical chains, can expect to earn significant compensation even while working as little as three days a week. With the hourly wage range extending from $45.69 at the lower end to $117.44 for top earners, optometrists across various settings, including VA outpatient clinics and educational institutions, benefit from favorable salary structures. Moreover, the hourly rates presented are estimated based on projected annual salary data, positioning Temple as a competitive locale for optometric professionals.
About the Temple 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) | $45.69 | $365.55 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $64.32 | $514.55 |
| Median (P50) | $78.77 | $630.20 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $96.08 | $768.66 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $117.44 | $939.49 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Temple
Based on $78.77/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $78.77/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Temple, TX can expect to earn approximately $163,851 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $94,530. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Temple.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Temple
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,150.99 | $13,654 | $163,851 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,890.59 | $8,193 | $98,311 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,260.40 | $5,462 | $65,541 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Temple) | $78.77 |
| 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 Temple, TX earn a median of $163,855 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.53% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 22.00% above the Texas state average of $134,307.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $78.77/hr = $98,311/year (purchasing power: $102,407).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $163,851/year (purchasing power: $170,679).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$64.57/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$76.51/hr
2026 Current Est.
$78.77/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Temple (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64.57/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $66.13/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $69.64/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $70.36/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $73.87/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $62.54/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $76.51/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78.77/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81.11/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Temple grew 18.5% from $64.57/hr (2019) to $76.51/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $81.11/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 Temple 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 Temple
Assessing the financial landscape for part-time optometrists reveals intriguing potential. A 24-hour workweek translates to substantial annual earnings, with many professionals opting for flexible schedules that compliment their lifestyle. The per diem optometrist pay in Temple can vary widely, with retail chains offering between $500 to $800 daily for fill-in roles, while OD/MD practices may provide rates as high as $1,200 per day. It's noteworthy that employers such as surgery centers or military health systems may present different compensation packages, leading to varied hourly rates that can influence job satisfaction. In order to attract or retain talent, many optometrists negotiate compensation packages that may favor higher hourly rates over traditional employment benefits like health insurance. Emphasizing a focus on negotiation skills is critical for those navigating the job market, as understanding the value trade-offs can lead to more favorable employment terms in Temple, TX.
More salary data for Temple, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 Temple. 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 Temple 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