Optometrist Hourly Pay in Tooele, UT: $65.14 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Tooele, UT runs $65.14 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $135,488 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Tooele's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.1, 2% below national), each hour of work buys what $66.40 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $81,298 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Tooele, Utah, the optometrist hourly pay is relatively competitive, with a median rate of $65.14 per hour, slightly below the national median of $67.60 per hour. For optometrists working part-time, such as three days a week, this pay translates to a gross income that can still support a comfortable living, especially considering the lower cost of living in Tooele, which has a cost of living index of 98.1. The hourly rates for optometrists in the area typically range from $39.14 at the entry-level up to $96.66 for the more experienced professionals. Many choose to work in diverse settings, including private practices, retail optical chains, and VA outpatient clinics, making the hourly structure vital for those engaged in part-time or per diem roles.
About the Tooele 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) | $39.14 | $313.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54.20 | $433.59 |
| Median (P50) | $65.14 | $521.14 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76.10 | $608.78 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $96.66 | $773.27 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tooele
Based on $65.14/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $65.14/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tooele, UT can expect to earn approximately $135,497 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $78,171. With a cost-of-living index of 98.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Tooele.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tooele
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,605.71 | $11,291 | $135,497 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,563.43 | $6,775 | $81,298 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,042.28 | $4,517 | $54,199 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Tooele) | $65.14 |
| 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 Tooele, UT earn a median of $135,488 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.64% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 1.80% below the Utah state average of $137,972.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $65.14/hr = $81,298/year (purchasing power: $82,873).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $135,497/year (purchasing power: $138,121).
CoL index: 98.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$53.39/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$63.27/hr
2026 Current Est.
$65.14/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Tooele (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53.39/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $54.69/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $57.59/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $58.18/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $61.09/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $59.30/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $63.27/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65.14/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67.07/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Tooele grew 18.5% from $53.39/hr (2019) to $63.27/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $67.07/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 Tooele 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 Tooele
Part-time optometrists working a 24-hour week can take home an impressive income over a year, compared to their full-time counterparts. In Tooele, per diem optometrists often earn significant daily wages, billing between $500 and $800 for shifts at retail chains, or even $700 to $1,200 a day in OD/MD practices. For residency-trained ocular disease ODs, the pay can range between $90 to $130 per hour in hospital settings. The employer type influences hourly rates substantially; professionals at private solo practices may earn less than those in retail chains or military health systems. Some optometrists may accept lower hourly pay in exchange for health benefits, a consideration that can make negotiating terms critical in a market with varied pay structures. Being informed about the differences in compensation across practice types can aid optometrists in Tooele in finding the best work situation that meets their professional and financial needs.
More salary data for Tooele, 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 Tooele. 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 Tooele 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