Optometrist Hourly Pay in Richland, WA: $75.55 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Richland, WA runs $75.55 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $157,144 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Richland's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $70.35 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $94,289 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, optometrists in Richland, Washington, can expect an hourly pay of $75.55, which is notably higher than the national hourly median of $67.60. This appealing wage presents promising opportunities, particularly for part-time optometrists working around three days a week. In typical settings, such as private optometry exam rooms, retail optical chains, and VA outpatient clinics, the pay for entry-level positions can start at approximately $43.82, while top earners may command rates as high as $109.26. These figures demonstrate a diverse earning landscape within the profession, allowing for a flexible approach to work—whether in full-time roles, part-time arrangements, or per-diem opportunities in various practice settings.
About the Richland 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) | $43.82 | $350.56 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $59.78 | $478.23 |
| Median (P50) | $75.55 | $604.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $90.36 | $722.86 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $109.26 | $874.09 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Richland
Based on $75.55/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $75.55/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Richland, WA can expect to earn approximately $157,148 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $90,662. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Richland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Richland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,022.08 | $13,096 | $157,148 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,813.25 | $7,857 | $94,289 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,208.83 | $5,238 | $62,859 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Richland) | $75.55 |
| 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 Richland, WA earn a median of $157,144 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.76% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 4.10% above the Washington state average of $150,955.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $75.55/hr = $94,289/year (purchasing power: $87,792).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $157,148/year (purchasing power: $146,321).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$61.92/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$73.38/hr
2026 Current Est.
$75.55/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Richland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61.92/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $63.43/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $66.79/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $67.48/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $70.85/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $77.23/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $73.38/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $75.55/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $77.79/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Richland grew 18.5% from $61.92/hr (2019) to $73.38/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $77.79/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 Richland 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 Richland
For those considering a three-day workweek, their annual earnings could significantly differ compared to full-timers. Typically, working 24 hours per week would yield a substantial income, advocating for the attractiveness of part-time positions. Per-diem optometrists in Richland often earn between $500 to $800 per day in retail environments and even more—ranging from $700 to $1,200 daily—in specialized OD/MD practices. These varying hourly rates can also depend on employer types, influencing decisions for optometrists between private practices and retail chains. Thus, while some may opt for positions with lower hourly compensation in exchange for benefits like health insurance, others might prefer the higher hourly rates of locum tenens roles, especially in light of shifting employment dynamics in the optometry field. Additionally, negotiation strategies can significantly impact one’s earnings potential, encouraging optometrists to consider the unique pay structures specific to Richland’s job market.
More salary data for Richland, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Richland in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Richland?
Are optometrists in Richland paid hourly or salary?
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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 Richland. 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 Richland 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