Optometrist Hourly Pay in The Woodlands, TX: $60.96 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in The Woodlands, TX runs $60.96 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $126,794 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against The Woodlands's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $63.50 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $76,081 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, optometrists in The Woodlands, Texas, earn a median hourly rate of $60.96. This figure falls notably below the national median of $67.60, indicating a regional variance that may influence local employment strategies. For those considering part-time roles—typically involving a three-day work week—this hourly rate translates to a reasonable income, providing flexibility while still enabling a comfortable lifestyle. The hourly compensation ranges from $35.36 for entry-level positions to around $92.22 for the top 10% of earners, reflecting the diverse opportunities available in various settings such as private optometry exam rooms, retail optical chains, and VA outpatient eye clinics. These figures are derived from annual salary estimates and highlight the potential of both full-time and part-time engagements for optometrists in the area.
About the The Woodlands 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) | $35.36 | $282.85 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49.01 | $392.07 |
| Median (P50) | $60.96 | $487.70 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74.81 | $598.49 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $92.22 | $737.77 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in The Woodlands
Based on $60.96/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $60.96/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in The Woodlands, TX can expect to earn approximately $126,802 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $73,155. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in The Woodlands.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in The Woodlands
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,438.50 | $10,567 | $126,802 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,463.10 | $6,340 | $76,081 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $975.40 | $4,227 | $50,721 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (The Woodlands) | $60.96 |
| 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 The Woodlands, TX earn a median of $126,794 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.83% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 5.60% below the Texas state average of $134,316.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $60.96/hr = $76,081/year (purchasing power: $79,251).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $126,802/year (purchasing power: $132,086).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$49.97/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$59.21/hr
2026 Current Est.
$60.96/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in The Woodlands (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49.97/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $51.18/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $53.89/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $54.45/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $57.17/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $63.56/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $59.21/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60.96/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62.77/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in The Woodlands grew 18.5% from $49.97/hr (2019) to $59.21/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $62.77/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 The Woodlands 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 The Woodlands
|||
When analyzing the earning potential for part-time optometrists, it's important to consider the implications of a three-day work week, averaging 24 hours. An optometrist working this schedule brings home significantly less annually compared to their full-time counterparts, yet they maintain a desirable work-life balance. Furthermore, per diem optometrists can command impressive daily rates, ranging from $500 to $800 at retail chains and up to $1,200 in OD/MD practices. This flexibility allows many professionals in The Woodlands to supplement their income effectively. However, hourly rates can differ across employer types; while retail optical chains may offer lower compensation, private practices and VA medical centers might provide a benefits package that justifies a lower hourly rate. Negotiating for favorable pay and benefits often depends on the specific employer and the optometrist's experience level, so understanding the market dynamics in The Woodlands is crucial for making informed career decisions.
More salary data for The Woodlands, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in The Woodlands in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in The Woodlands?
Are optometrists in The Woodlands paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in The Woodlands?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in The Woodlands?
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 The Woodlands. 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 The Woodlands 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