Optometrist Hourly Pay in Ellensburg, WA: $69.26 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Ellensburg, WA runs $69.26 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $144,064 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Ellensburg's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $64.49 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $86,438 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Ellensburg, Washington, optometrists earn a median hourly rate of $69.26, reflecting a competitive pay scale compared to the national median of $67.60. This advantageous hourly pay allows for significant income potential, especially for part-time optometrists working three days a week in various settings such as private exam rooms, retail optical chains, and university clinics. Entry-level practitioners may earn around $40.17 per hour, while seasoned professionals can make as much as $95.92 an hour. These estimates are derived from annual salary data projected for 2026, emphasizing the profession's potential for flexibility in work hours and settings, whether in VA outpatient clinics or private practices.
About the Ellensburg 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) | $40.17 | $321.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $56.01 | $448.08 |
| Median (P50) | $69.26 | $554.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $81.19 | $649.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $95.92 | $767.34 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Ellensburg
Based on $69.26/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $69.26/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Ellensburg, WA can expect to earn approximately $144,063 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $83,113. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Ellensburg.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Ellensburg
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,770.45 | $12,005 | $144,063 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,662.27 | $7,203 | $86,438 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,108.18 | $4,802 | $57,625 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Ellensburg) | $69.26 |
| 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 Ellensburg, WA earn a median of $144,064 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.45% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 4.60% below the Washington state average of $151,010.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $69.26/hr = $86,438/year (purchasing power: $80,482).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $144,063/year (purchasing power: $134,137).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$56.77/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$67.27/hr
2026 Current Est.
$69.26/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Ellensburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56.77/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $58.15/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $61.23/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $61.86/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $64.95/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $72.90/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $67.27/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69.26/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71.31/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Ellensburg grew 18.5% from $56.77/hr (2019) to $67.27/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $71.31/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 Ellensburg 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 Ellensburg
For those considering part-time work, a three-day work week (approximately 24 hours) translates to an annual take-home pay that significantly differs from full-time earnings, further establishing optometry as a viable option for work-life balance. Per diem optometrists in Ellensburg often command daily rates ranging from $500 to $800 at retail chains, and can earn even more in specialized practices, billing between $700 and $1,200 per day depending on their experience and specialization. The hourly pay can vary considerably based on the employer type, with private practices offering benefits that might lead to lower hourly rates compared to retail chains or locum tenens positions, which can pay higher wages without benefits. Optometrists negotiating hourly pay should carefully weigh these factors to find a balance between compensation and benefits, ensuring their professional and personal needs align, which can vary based on the evolving scope of practice and employment opportunities in Washington.
More salary data for Ellensburg, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Ellensburg in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Ellensburg?
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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 Ellensburg. 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 Ellensburg 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