Optometrist Hourly Pay in Draper, UT: $66.14 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Draper, UT runs $66.14 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $137,582 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Draper's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.1, 2% below national), each hour of work buys what $67.42 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $82,545 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Draper, Utah, the optometrist hourly pay stands at $66.14, which is slightly below the national median hourly rate of $67.60. This hourly rate suggests that optometrists in the area can expect a substantial income, whether they are working full-time, part-time (such as three days a week), or as per-diem providers. For those working in various environments—ranging from private optometry offices to retail chains and outpatient veterans' clinics—the financial landscape reflects a broad hourly range, with entry-level positions earning approximately $38.36 and top earners potentially making $96.47 per hour. These figures are derived from annual salary data but are critical for evaluating real-time, hourly earning potential in the market.
About the Draper 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) | $38.36 | $306.90 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.28 | $410.28 |
| Median (P50) | $66.14 | $529.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79.40 | $635.22 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $96.47 | $771.79 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Draper
Based on $66.14/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $66.14/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Draper, UT can expect to earn approximately $137,574 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $79,370. With a cost-of-living index of 98.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Draper.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Draper
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,645.66 | $11,465 | $137,574 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,587.40 | $6,879 | $82,545 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,058.26 | $4,586 | $55,030 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Draper) | $66.14 |
| 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 Draper, UT earn a median of $137,582 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.15% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 0.30% below the Utah state average of $137,996.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $66.14/hr = $82,545/year (purchasing power: $84,143).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $137,574/year (purchasing power: $140,239).
CoL index: 98.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$54.21/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$64.24/hr
2026 Current Est.
$66.14/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Draper (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54.21/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $55.53/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $58.47/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $59.08/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $62.02/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $60.21/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $64.24/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66.14/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68.10/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Draper grew 18.5% from $54.21/hr (2019) to $64.24/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $68.10/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 Draper 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 Draper
Optometrists in Draper seeking part-time work, such as those committing to a 24-hour week, can generate significant annual earnings while enjoying a flexible schedule. For example, while full-time optometrists may earn more consistent income, part-timers can still yield substantial take-home pay, although at a reduced total annual figure. Per-diem optometrists, commonly filling in at retail chains, typically charge between $500 and $800 per day, which often translates to $62.50 to $100 per hour if considering an 8-hour day. In contrast, locum tenens positions in more specialized settings, such as hospitals, can command rates of $90 to $130 per hour. When evaluating opportunities in Draper, optometrists should consider how hourly rates differ across various employer types, including retail chains and private practices, where some may accept lower hourly wages for stability and benefits, while others may prefer higher rates without health insurance. Understanding these dynamics is key to effective negotiations in the local job market.
More salary data for Draper, UT:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Are optometrists in Draper paid hourly or salary?
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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 Draper. 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 Draper 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