Optometrist Hourly Pay in Tumwater, WA: $71.29 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Tumwater, WA runs $71.29 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $148,290 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Tumwater's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $66.38 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $88,969 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the hourly pay for optometrists in Tumwater, Washington, is projected to stand at $71.29, which exceeds the national hourly median of $67.60 by 5.46%. This higher wage highlights the value of optometric services in the area, particularly for part-time professionals who may work three days a week or engage in per-diem arrangements. In such typical settings as private optometry offices, retail optical chains, and university clinics, practitioners can anticipate hourly earnings that span from a lower end of $41.35 at entry-level positions to as much as $105.49 for seasoned professionals. These estimates, derived from annual salary data, underscore the varying economic landscapes within the optometry sector of Tumwater.
About the Tumwater 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) | $41.35 | $330.79 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $59.03 | $472.22 |
| Median (P50) | $71.29 | $570.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $82.89 | $663.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $105.49 | $843.94 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tumwater
Based on $71.29/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $71.29/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tumwater, WA can expect to earn approximately $148,282 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $85,547. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Tumwater.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tumwater
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,851.58 | $12,357 | $148,282 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,710.95 | $7,414 | $88,969 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,140.63 | $4,943 | $59,313 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Tumwater) | $71.29 |
| 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 Tumwater, WA earn a median of $148,290 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.46% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 1.80% below the Washington state average of $151,008.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $71.29/hr = $88,969/year (purchasing power: $82,839).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $148,282/year (purchasing power: $138,065).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$58.43/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$69.24/hr
2026 Current Est.
$71.29/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Tumwater (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58.43/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $59.85/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $63.02/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $63.67/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $66.85/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $74.81/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $69.24/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71.29/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73.40/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Tumwater grew 18.5% from $58.43/hr (2019) to $69.24/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $73.40/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 Tumwater 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 Tumwater
For those considering part-time work, taking on three days a week translates to about 24 hours of practice, yielding a substantial income relative to the hours worked. Many optometrists in Tumwater prefer per-diem or locum tenens roles, where daily rates typically range from $500 to $1,200 depending on the work setting—more lucrative rates are often seen in hospital systems for residency-trained ocular disease specialists, who can command $90 to $130 per hour as independent contractors. Pay disparities exist among different employer types, with private practices offering stability but often at lower hourly rates compared to optometrists in retail chains or specialized MD practices that may provide less job security but more favorable pay structures. Some optometrists may opt for roles with lower hourly rates that include health benefits, which can significantly affect annual compensation. Professionals in Tumwater can negotiate effectively by understanding the current market dynamics and being informed about which employers offer competitive rates for their expertise.
More salary data for Tumwater, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Tumwater. 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 Tumwater 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