Optometrist Hourly Pay in Murray, UT: $68.22 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Murray, UT runs $68.22 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $141,906 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Murray's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.1, 2% below national), each hour of work buys what $69.54 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $85,140 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Murray, Utah, the optometrist hourly pay is projected to reach $68.22 in 2026, slightly above the national median of $67.60. This competitive rate provides opportunities for both part-time and per-diem optometrists, especially in settings such as private practices, retail optical chains, and outpatient clinics. For those working three days a week, the potential earnings offer a viable income stream, complemented by the flexibility that part-time arrangements provide. The hourly rates in Murray range from $39.57 for entry-level positions to approximately $103.39 for experienced practitioners, aligning with the local job market's diverse offerings. These estimates are drawn from the projected annual salary data, adjusted to reflect the specific hourly context that resonates with both current professionals and aspiring optometrists.
About the Murray 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) | $39.57 | $316.54 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52.62 | $420.98 |
| Median (P50) | $68.22 | $545.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $84.22 | $673.77 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $103.39 | $827.14 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Murray
Based on $68.22/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $68.22/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Murray, UT can expect to earn approximately $141,900 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $81,866. With a cost-of-living index of 98.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Murray.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Murray
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,728.85 | $11,825 | $141,900 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,637.31 | $7,095 | $85,140 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,091.54 | $4,730 | $56,760 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Murray) | $68.22 |
| 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 Murray, UT earn a median of $141,906 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.92% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 2.90% above the Utah state average of $137,906.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $68.22/hr = $85,140/year (purchasing power: $86,789).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $141,900/year (purchasing power: $144,649).
CoL index: 98.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$55.92/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$66.26/hr
2026 Current Est.
$68.22/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Murray (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55.92/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $57.27/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $60.31/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $60.93/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $63.97/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $60.02/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $66.26/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68.22/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70.24/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Murray grew 18.5% from $55.92/hr (2019) to $66.26/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $70.24/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 Murray 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 Murray
Considering part-time earnings, an optometrist working three days a week can expect to take home a substantial income that may effectively complement full-time salaries. Per diem or locum tenens arrangements present a different financial picture, with rates for fill-in optometrists at retail locations typically ranging from $500 to $800 per day, while those in clinical environments might command $700 to $1,200 per day. For residency-trained ocular disease optometrists in hospital systems, the per diem optometrist pay in Murray could vary from $90 to $130 per hour, reflecting the higher expertise and demand in specialized roles. Employment settings in Murray, like private practices versus retail chains, significantly affect hourly compensation, with many opting for lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance. Negotiating these rates can be vital; understanding the unique market dynamics of Murray, including the benefits versus higher pay trade-offs, empowers optometrists, whether newly graduated or seasoned, to secure positions that fit their financial and professional goals.
More salary data for Murray, UT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Murray in 2026?
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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 Murray. 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 Murray 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