Optometrist Hourly Pay in Burien, WA: $72.27 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Burien, WA runs $72.27 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $150,314 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Burien's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $67.29 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $90,190 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Burien, Washington, the optometrist hourly pay is projected to be $72.27 in 2026, exceeding the national hourly median of $67.60. For part-time workers, such as those operating three days a week, the potential earnings can be quite appealing. Working in various settings such as private optometry practices and retail optical chains, these professionals benefit from an hourly pay that ranges from $41.92 to $109.69, reflecting the differences between entry-level positions and experienced practitioners. This hourly rate translates to an attractive earning possibility, especially for those individuals seeking per-diem work in the area, providing flexibility while still enjoying competitive wages.
About the Burien 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) | $41.92 | $335.32 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $58.60 | $468.84 |
| Median (P50) | $72.27 | $578.14 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $89.32 | $714.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $109.69 | $877.55 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Burien
Based on $72.27/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $72.27/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Burien, WA can expect to earn approximately $150,317 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $86,721. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Burien.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Burien
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,890.70 | $12,526 | $150,317 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,734.42 | $7,516 | $90,190 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,156.28 | $5,011 | $60,127 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Burien) | $72.27 |
| 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 Burien, WA earn a median of $150,314 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.90% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 0.50% below the Washington state average of $151,070.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $72.27/hr = $90,190/year (purchasing power: $83,976).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $150,317/year (purchasing power: $139,960).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$59.23/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$70.19/hr
2026 Current Est.
$72.27/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Burien (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59.23/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $60.67/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $63.88/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $64.55/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $67.77/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $76.06/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $70.19/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $72.27/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74.41/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Burien grew 18.5% from $59.23/hr (2019) to $70.19/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $74.41/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 Burien 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 Burien
When evaluating the financial prospects for optometrists in Burien, it's insightful to consider the part-time earning potential versus full-time commitments. A 24-hour work week could yield an annual income significantly lower than full-time peers, yet still allow for a satisfactory work-life balance. Per diem optometrists in retail settings may command between $500 and $800 for a single day of work, with office practices paying between $700 and $1,200. Additionally, residency-trained optometrists working in hospital systems could earn $90 to $130 per hour on a 1099 basis, thus highlighting the varying rates based on employment type. Employers, including private practices, military health systems, and ophthalmology groups, present differing compensation structures, leading to a trade-off between higher pay and benefits like health insurance. Negotiation can often hinge on these factors; understanding the specific demands and offerings of each employer type is crucial for securing favorable hourly pay in Burien.
More salary data for Burien, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Burien in 2026?
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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 Burien. 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 Burien 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