Optometrist Hourly Pay in Auburn, WA: $71.76 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Auburn, WA runs $71.76 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $149,274 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Auburn's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $66.82 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $89,560 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Auburn, Washington, the optometrist hourly pay is projected to reach a median rate of $71.76 in 2026, which is notably higher than the national hourly median of $67.60. This competitive rate can significantly benefit part-time workers, especially those averaging 24 hours per week; it allows for a flexible work-life balance without sacrificing financial stability. Per-diem optometrists working in retail chain locations or private practices can expect varying compensation, with hourly rates ranging from $41.63 for entry-level positions to as much as $107.71 for those with extensive experience and specialized skills. Auburn's optometrists often operate in diverse environments, such as private optometry rooms, retail optical chains, and VA outpatient clinics, with these settings influencing their hourly earnings based on local demand and practice type.
About the Auburn Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41.63 | $333.01 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $57.60 | $460.77 |
| Median (P50) | $71.76 | $574.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $88.13 | $705.07 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $107.71 | $861.65 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Auburn
Based on $71.76/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $71.76/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Auburn, WA can expect to earn approximately $149,267 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $86,116. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Auburn.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Auburn
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,870.52 | $12,439 | $149,267 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,722.31 | $7,463 | $89,560 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,148.21 | $4,976 | $59,707 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Auburn) | $71.76 |
| 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 Auburn, WA earn a median of $149,274 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.16% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 1.20% below the Washington state average of $151,088.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $71.76/hr = $89,560/year (purchasing power: $83,390).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $149,267/year (purchasing power: $138,983).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$58.82/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$69.70/hr
2026 Current Est.
$71.76/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Auburn (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58.82/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $60.25/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $63.44/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $64.10/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $67.30/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $75.54/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $69.70/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71.76/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73.89/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Auburn grew 18.5% from $58.82/hr (2019) to $69.70/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $73.89/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 Auburn 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 Auburn
Part-time optometrists working in Auburn, who opt for a schedule of three days a week, may take home approximately $83,085 annually—a figure which contrasts with the full-time potential at around $149,274. On a more flexible basis, per diem optometrists generally earn between $500 to $800 per day at retail practices, whereas those filling in at OD/MD offices can command fees reaching $1,200 per day, particularly if they are residency-trained. In Auburn, the hourly compensation varies significantly based on practice type; private optometry and ophthalmology practices might offer different pay structures compared to retail chains or VA medical centers. Some optometrists weigh the benefits of secure positions with health insurance against the flexibility and potentially higher hourly pay found through per diem work. When negotiating rates, understanding the local market conditions and the worth of various employer benefits can empower optometrists to secure compensation that reflects their credentials and experience level.
More salary data for Auburn, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Auburn. 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 Auburn 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