Optometrist Hourly Pay in Washington, UT: $64.42 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Washington, UT runs $64.42 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $134,000 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Washington's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.1, 2% below national), each hour of work buys what $65.67 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $80,399 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a median hourly pay of $64.42, optometrists in Washington, Utah, are earning slightly less than the national average of $67.60 per hour. This hourly rate accommodates various work arrangements typical in the profession, including part-time positions often characterized by three-day workweeks that can provide substantial income for those balancing other commitments. For per-diem optometrists, the potential for income can vary widely; for instance, filling in at retail optical locations may yield different daily compensation compared to hospital settings. The hourly earnings in Washington range from $37.36 for entry-level practitioners to approximately $94.36 for seasoned professionals. These figures, based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, indicate a robust market for optometrists in the area.
About the Washington 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) | $37.36 | $298.91 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54.17 | $433.34 |
| Median (P50) | $64.42 | $515.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78.13 | $625.01 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $94.36 | $754.90 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Washington
Based on $64.42/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $64.42/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Washington, UT can expect to earn approximately $133,998 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $77,306. With a cost-of-living index of 98.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Washington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Washington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,576.88 | $11,166 | $133,998 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,546.13 | $6,700 | $80,399 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,030.75 | $4,467 | $53,599 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Washington) | $64.42 |
| 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 Washington, UT earn a median of $134,000 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.70% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 2.90% below the Utah state average of $138,002.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $64.42/hr = $80,399/year (purchasing power: $81,956).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $133,998/year (purchasing power: $136,593).
CoL index: 98.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$52.80/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$62.57/hr
2026 Current Est.
$64.42/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Washington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52.80/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $54.09/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $56.95/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $57.54/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $60.41/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $58.64/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $62.57/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64.42/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66.33/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Washington grew 18.5% from $52.80/hr (2019) to $62.57/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $66.33/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 Washington 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 Washington
Turning to the analysis of hourly pay in Washington, part-time optometrists working 24 hours a week can expect to earn significantly less annually than their full-time counterparts, primarily due to the reduced hours typically associated with part-time positions. Per-diem optometrists, including those who work as fill-ins at retail chains or practice offices, often earn impressive daily rates that can tally up to $500-$1,200 per day, depending on the practice type and location. Hourly rates vary among employers, as private optometry practices may pay less than retail optical chains or ophthalmology offices, which might offer more robust pay packages. Choosing a position with benefits such as health insurance often leads to a trade-off against higher hourly wages, which might be found in per diem or agency work without benefits. For those considering positions in Washington, negotiating based on the market trends and understanding employer-specific compensation packages can be advantageous for optimizing pay.
More salary data for Washington, UT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Washington in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Washington?
Are optometrists in Washington paid hourly or salary?
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Related Pages
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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 Washington. 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 Washington 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