Optometrist Hourly Pay in Mountlake Terrace, WA: $67.21 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Mountlake Terrace, WA runs $67.21 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $139,804 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Mountlake Terrace's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $62.58 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $83,881 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Mountlake Terrace, Washington, optometrists earn a median hourly rate of $67.21, which is slightly below the national median of $67.60. This hourly compensation reflects the diverse service settings for optometrists, including private practices, retail optical chains, and clinics associated with universities and VA medical centers. For part-time practitioners working three days a week, this translates into a competitive payment structure that allows them to maintain a reasonable work-life balance while still benefiting from a respectable income. The hourly wage spectrum spans from $40.59 for entry-level positions to $95.61 for seasoned professionals, showcasing the potential earnings variance based on experience and workplace type.
About the Mountlake Terrace 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) | $40.59 | $324.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $56.02 | $448.16 |
| Median (P50) | $67.21 | $537.70 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $80.36 | $642.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $95.61 | $764.87 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Mountlake Terrace
Based on $67.21/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $67.21/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Mountlake Terrace, WA can expect to earn approximately $139,802 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $80,655. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Mountlake Terrace.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Mountlake Terrace
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,688.49 | $11,650 | $139,802 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,613.09 | $6,990 | $83,881 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,075.40 | $4,660 | $55,921 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Mountlake Terrace) | $67.21 |
| 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 Mountlake Terrace, WA earn a median of $139,804 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.57% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 7.40% below the Washington state average of $150,976.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $67.21/hr = $83,881/year (purchasing power: $78,101).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $139,802/year (purchasing power: $130,169).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$55.09/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$65.28/hr
2026 Current Est.
$67.21/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Mountlake Terrace (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55.09/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $56.43/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $59.41/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $60.03/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $63.03/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $70.75/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $65.28/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67.21/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69.20/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Mountlake Terrace grew 18.5% from $55.09/hr (2019) to $65.28/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $69.20/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 Mountlake Terrace 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 Mountlake Terrace
Earning potential can fluctuate significantly based on work arrangements. A part-time optometrist in Mountlake Terrace working 24 hours a week could take home around $83,909 annually, which is considerably less than a full-time counterpart. For those pursuing per-diem opportunities, the compensation can be even more lucrative. Per-diem optometrists often bill between $500 and $800 per day at retail locations, with rates for fill-in positions at OD/MD practices ranging from $700 to $1,200 per day. Different types of employers present varied earning opportunities—for instance, private optometry firms may offer lower hourly rates compared to hospital systems or ophthalmology practices. The decision to accept a lower hourly rate often hinges on the benefits provided, such as health insurance, which is critical for many professionals. Negotiating effectively for hourly positions in Mountlake Terrace requires an understanding of these dynamics, emphasizing flexibility in scheduling and the potential for increased pay in high-demand settings.
More salary data for Mountlake Terrace, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Mountlake Terrace in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Mountlake Terrace?
Are optometrists in Mountlake Terrace paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Mountlake Terrace?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Mountlake Terrace?
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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 Mountlake Terrace. 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 Mountlake Terrace 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