Optometrist Hourly Pay in Tacoma, WA: $81.68 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Tacoma, WA runs $81.68 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $169,895 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Tacoma's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $76.05 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $101,934 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Tacoma, WA, optometrists are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $81.68 in 2026, significantly higher than the national median of $67.60 per hour. This favorable pay structure is especially beneficial for part-time and per-diem optometrists, who typically work in settings such as private clinics, retail optical chains, and educational institutions. Those working part-time, for instance, might find engaging with patients across three days a week allows for a comfortable work-life balance while still reaping the benefits of competitive compensation. For those at different experience levels, hourly earnings can range from $47.37 at the lower end (P10) up to $126.60 for the highest earners (P90), showcasing a broad spectrum of opportunities within Tacoma's optometry field.
About the Tacoma 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) | $47.37 | $378.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $64.27 | $514.14 |
| Median (P50) | $81.68 | $653.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $103.09 | $824.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $126.60 | $1012.80 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tacoma
Based on $81.68/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $81.68/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tacoma, WA can expect to earn approximately $169,891 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $98,014. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Tacoma.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tacoma
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,267.13 | $14,158 | $169,891 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,960.28 | $8,495 | $101,934 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,306.85 | $5,663 | $67,956 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Tacoma) | $81.68 |
| 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 Tacoma, WA earn a median of $169,895 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.83% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 12.50% above the Washington state average of $151,018.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $81.68/hr = $101,934/year (purchasing power: $94,911).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $169,891/year (purchasing power: $158,185).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$66.95/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$79.33/hr
2026 Current Est.
$81.68/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Tacoma (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $66.95/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $68.57/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $72.20/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $72.95/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $76.59/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $77.40/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $79.33/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81.68/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84.10/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Tacoma grew 18.5% from $66.95/hr (2019) to $79.33/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $84.10/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 Tacoma 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 Tacoma
When examining the practical aspects of optometrist hourly pay in Tacoma, part-time practitioners working just 24 hours a week can expect to earn a substantial income, contributing to a versatile career without fully committing to full-time hours. Per diem optometrists in the area can command impressive rates; retail chains often pay between $500-$800 per day, while positions in OD/MD practices can yield $700-$1,200 for similar work. Those with specialized training, such as residency-trained ocular disease optometrists, may earn anywhere from $90-$130 per hour in hospital settings. Additionally, employers vary widely in their compensation strategies, with private practices potentially offering lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits, while larger retail chains may present higher hourly pay but lack comprehensive health packages. For optometrists negotiating in Tacoma, understanding the value of both compensation and benefits can influence career decisions significantly, especially as the field continues to evolve.
More salary data for Tacoma, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Tacoma in 2026?
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Are optometrists in Tacoma 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 Tacoma. 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 Tacoma 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