Optometrist Hourly Pay in Bellingham, WA: $72.55 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Bellingham, WA runs $72.55 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $150,889 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Bellingham's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $67.55 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $90,537 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bellingham, Washington, the projected optometrist hourly pay stands at $72.55 for 2026, considerably higher than the national average of $67.60. This superior rate indicates a healthy earning potential for those working in private optometry practices, retail optical chains, and various healthcare settings. The hourly wage range varies notably from $42.08 for entry-level positions to as much as $110.67 for top earners in the field. For part-time or per-diem optometrists who might work only three days a week, averaging around 24 hours, the compensation can be attractive, especially compared to the typical hourly work environment, which includes busy exam rooms in private practices and chain locations. These projections highlight a competitive pay environment for optometrists in Bellingham, reflecting the growing demand for eye care services.
About the Bellingham 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) | $42.08 | $336.64 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $56.39 | $451.13 |
| Median (P50) | $72.55 | $580.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $87.23 | $697.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $110.67 | $885.37 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bellingham
Based on $72.55/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $72.55/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bellingham, WA can expect to earn approximately $150,895 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $87,055. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bellingham.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bellingham
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,901.82 | $12,575 | $150,895 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,741.09 | $7,545 | $90,537 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,160.73 | $5,030 | $60,358 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Bellingham) | $72.55 |
| 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 Bellingham, WA earn a median of $150,889 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.31% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 0.10% below the Washington state average of $151,040.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $72.55/hr = $90,537/year (purchasing power: $84,299).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $150,895/year (purchasing power: $140,498).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$69.55/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$70.46/hr
2026 Current Est.
$72.55/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+7.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Bellingham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $69.55/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $71.58/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $64.13/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $64.80/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $68.03/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $76.35/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $70.46/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $72.55/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74.69/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Bellingham grew 1.3% from $69.55/hr (2019) to $70.46/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $74.69/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 Bellingham 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 Bellingham
Given the hourly dynamics in Bellingham, part-time optometrists can expect to take home a substantial portion of their earnings even at reduced hours. Working 24 hours a week, a practitioner might earn $113,224 annually, significantly lower than their full-time counterparts but still a viable income for many. Per-diem optometrists often realize even greater daily earnings, with pay rates ranging from $500 to $1,200 depending on their practice setting and additional qualifications, such as residency training. The type of employer influences how much an optometrist can earn; those at retail optical chains may see different compensation levels compared to those working in ophthalmology practices or military environments. Optometrists often must evaluate the trade-offs between higher hourly rates without benefits and more stable roles that include health insurance. When negotiating pay in Bellingham, practitioners should consider their unique skill set and the local demand for services while remaining informed about the average pay rates for the varied settings they might work in.
More salary data for Bellingham, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Bellingham in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Bellingham?
Are optometrists in Bellingham paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Bellingham?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Bellingham?
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 Bellingham. 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 Bellingham 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