Optometrist Hourly Pay in Orem, UT: $42.24 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Orem, UT runs $42.24 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $87,869 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Orem's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.1, 2% below national), each hour of work buys what $43.06 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $52,721 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Orem, Utah, the optometrist hourly pay is projected to be $42.24 in 2026, which is significantly lower than the national median hourly rate of $67.60. For part-time optometrists working three days a week, this translates to a modest earning capacity, making it crucial for them to consider workplace flexibility and employment type. The hourly range varies widely, starting at about $24.50 for entry-level positions up to approximately $64.32 for the highest earners, demonstrating substantial growth potential depending on experience and specialization. Such settings range from private optometry practices to retail optical chains and government-funded clinics, allowing optometrists in Orem to choose based on their professional preferences.
About the Orem 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) | $24.50 | $196.04 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.38 | $275.03 |
| Median (P50) | $42.24 | $337.96 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $52.33 | $418.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $64.32 | $514.55 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Orem
Based on $42.24/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $42.24/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Orem, UT can expect to earn approximately $87,869 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $50,693. With a cost-of-living index of 98.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Orem.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Orem
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,689.78 | $7,322 | $87,869 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,013.87 | $4,393 | $52,721 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $675.91 | $2,929 | $35,147 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Orem) | $42.24 |
| 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 Orem, UT earn a median of $87,869 per year (2026 est.), which is 37.51% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 36.30% below the Utah state average of $137,942.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $42.24/hr = $52,721/year (purchasing power: $53,742).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $87,869/year (purchasing power: $89,570).
CoL index: 98.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$34.62/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$41.03/hr
2026 Current Est.
$42.24/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Orem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.62/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $35.47/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.34/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $37.73/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $39.61/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $59.14/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $41.03/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42.24/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.49/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Orem grew 18.5% from $34.62/hr (2019) to $41.03/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.49/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 Orem 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 Orem
For those exploring part-time opportunities, an optometrist working 24 hours a week in Orem could expect to take home roughly $52,995 annually, compared to the higher earnings of full-time colleagues. Per diem optometrists can find lucrative opportunities, billing between $500 to $1,200 per day depending on the practice type, which can significantly boost overall pay compared to a typical salaried role. In Orem, hourly rates can fluctuate across employer types, influenced by benefits and job security. Private practices might offer lower hourly pay but provide health insurance, while retail chains may offer higher pay without the same benefits. Understanding negotiation dynamics, optometrists can find ways to maximize their earnings, whether they prioritize financial compensation or stability in employment. Opportunities arise from the expanding scope of practice, particularly in states like Utah, where practitioners can play a role in managing a broader range of eye care.
More salary data for Orem, UT:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Orem. 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 Orem 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