Optometrist Hourly Pay in Seattle, WA: $83.07 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Seattle, WA runs $83.07 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $172,777 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Seattle's regional price level (BEA RPP 111.1, 11% above national), each hour of work buys what $74.75 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $103,669 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Optometrists in Seattle, WA, earn a competitive median hourly rate of $83.07, significantly higher than the national median of $67.60. This rate can create appealing earning opportunities for part-time professionals working three days a week, allowing for flexible schedules in various environments such as private optometry exam rooms, retail optical mall locations, and VA outpatient clinics. The hourly range for optometrists in the area extends from roughly $60.07 at the entry level to $112.63 for highly experienced practitioners. This official BLS data, based on 2025 figures projected to 2026, reflects the growing demand in the field, making it a financially viable career option for those entering optometry, particularly in Seattle.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $60.07 | $480.53 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $66.64 | $533.09 |
| Median (P50) | $83.07 | $664.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $99.41 | $795.26 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $112.63 | $901.02 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Seattle
Based on $83.07/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $83.07/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Seattle, WA can expect to earn approximately $172,782 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $99,682. With a cost-of-living index of 111.13 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Seattle.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Seattle
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,322.73 | $14,398 | $172,782 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,993.64 | $8,639 | $103,669 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,329.09 | $5,759 | $69,113 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Seattle) | $83.07 |
| 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 Seattle, WA earn a median of $172,777 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.88% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 14.40% above the Washington state average of $151,029.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $83.07/hr = $103,669/year (purchasing power: $93,284).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $172,782/year (purchasing power: $155,473).
CoL index: 111.133 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$57.73/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$80.68/hr
2026 Current Est.
$83.07/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Seattle (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57.73/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $58.67/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $58.40/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $67.01/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $73.32/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $78.28/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $80.68/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $83.07/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $85.53/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Seattle grew 39.8% from $57.73/hr (2019) to $80.68/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $85.53/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 Seattle 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 Seattle
Considering part-time work, an optometrist scheduled for 24 hours a week could make over $129,000 annually, an attractive option compared to full-time commitments. Per-diem opportunities further enhance earning potential; fill-in optometrists at retail chains typically report daily rates between $500 and $800, while those in OD/MD practices can command $700 to $1,200 per day. Hourly rates vary by employer type, with private practices offering stability alongside health insurance benefits, while retail optical chains present higher hourly pay at the cost of less job security. This disparity allows optometrists to negotiate effectively, weighing benefits against hourly rates that influence work-life balance and career satisfaction. Practical advice includes researching different practice environments and leveraging credentials from AOA or residency training to maximize earning potential within the Seattle area.
More salary data for Seattle, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Seattle. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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