Optometrist Hourly Pay in American Fork, UT: $65.52 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in American Fork, UT runs $65.52 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $136,291 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against American Fork's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.1, 2% below national), each hour of work buys what $66.79 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $81,774 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the optometrist hourly pay in American Fork, Utah, is projected to be around $65.52, slightly below the national median of $67.60. This figure provides a clear perspective for both full-time and part-time optometrists working in various settings, such as private exam rooms, retail optical chains, and VA outpatient clinics. For those considering part-time work—commonly three days a week—the hourly pay reflects the balance between flexibility and income potential. The hourly range for optometrists in this area varies significantly, starting from approximately $38.00 for entry-level positions, rising to as much as $91.80 for top earners, illustrating the breadth of earnings based on experience and specialization.
About the American Fork Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.00 | $304.02 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52.47 | $419.75 |
| Median (P50) | $65.52 | $524.19 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76.91 | $615.29 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $91.80 | $734.39 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in American Fork
Based on $65.52/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $65.52/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in American Fork, UT can expect to earn approximately $136,289 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $78,628. With a cost-of-living index of 98.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in American Fork.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in American Fork
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,620.95 | $11,357 | $136,289 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,572.57 | $6,814 | $81,774 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,048.38 | $4,543 | $54,516 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (American Fork) | $65.52 |
| 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 American Fork, UT earn a median of $136,291 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.07% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 1.20% below the Utah state average of $137,947.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $65.52/hr = $81,774/year (purchasing power: $83,357).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $136,289/year (purchasing power: $138,929).
CoL index: 98.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$53.71/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$63.64/hr
2026 Current Est.
$65.52/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in American Fork (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53.71/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $55.01/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $57.92/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $58.52/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $61.45/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $59.65/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $63.64/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65.52/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67.46/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in American Fork grew 18.5% from $53.71/hr (2019) to $63.64/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $67.46/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 American Fork 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 American Fork
Evaluating the earning potential for part-time professionals, an optometrist working 24 hours per week can expect to take home considerably less annually compared to their full-time counterparts, who might earn significantly more given the full-time commitment. Per diem opportunities offer another angle; fill-in optometrists can accomplish lucrative daily rates, typically ranging from $500 to $800 at retail locations, while those filling in at OD/MD practices often bill between $700 and $1,200 per day. Various employer types contribute to unique earning dynamics in American Fork, with private practices, retail chains, and VA centers all offering different pay structures. Some optometrists opt for positions with lower hourly rates but benefit from insurance and other perks, while others might prioritize higher hourly pay without benefits. For those negotiating hourly rates in this city, articulating value based on specialized training or unique skills can be advantageous in reaching a favorable agreement.
More salary data for American Fork, UT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in American Fork in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in American Fork?
Are optometrists in American Fork paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in American Fork?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in American Fork?
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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 American Fork. 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 American Fork 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