Optometrist Hourly Pay in University Place, WA: $71.20 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in University Place, WA runs $71.20 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $148,099 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against University Place's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $66.29 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $88,854 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In University Place, Washington, optometrists are projected to earn a median hourly pay of $71.20 in 2026, notably surpassing the national median of $67.60. This favorable rate allows for attractive options for part-time and per-diem work, where professionals can focus on a flexible schedule in settings like private optometry practices, retail optical chains, and outpatient clinics. The hourly compensation varies significantly, ranging from $41.30 for entry-level positions to as much as $105.43 for top earners, providing ample opportunity for growth. It’s important to remember that these 2026 figures are derived from annual salary estimates, giving insight into the potential earnings within the optometry field in University Place.
About the University Place 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) | $41.30 | $330.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $56.35 | $450.80 |
| Median (P50) | $71.20 | $569.57 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $83.05 | $664.38 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $105.43 | $843.45 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in University Place
Based on $71.20/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $71.20/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in University Place, WA can expect to earn approximately $148,089 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $85,436. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in University Place.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in University Place
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,847.87 | $12,341 | $148,089 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,708.72 | $7,404 | $88,854 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,139.15 | $4,936 | $59,236 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (University Place) | $71.20 |
| 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 University Place, WA earn a median of $148,099 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.32% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 1.90% below the Washington state average of $150,967.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $71.20/hr = $88,854/year (purchasing power: $82,732).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $148,089/year (purchasing power: $137,886).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$58.35/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$69.15/hr
2026 Current Est.
$71.20/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in University Place (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58.35/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $59.77/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $62.94/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $63.59/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $66.77/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $74.94/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $69.15/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71.20/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73.30/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in University Place grew 18.5% from $58.35/hr (2019) to $69.15/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $73.30/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 University Place 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 University Place
For those considering part-time work in University Place, working three days a week could yield an annual compensation significantly lower than full-time positions, depending on the actual hours worked and pay rate. Per diem or locum tenens roles present different earning potential, where professionals might bill between $500 and $800 daily at retail chains, or up to $1,200 for more specialized fill-in work within OD/MD practices. Hourly rates in University Place can fluctuate based on the type of employer; those in private practices might find themselves earning less than their counterparts in large retail chains or ophthalmology settings, but may enjoy benefits like health insurance, which are often absent with higher-paying, less stable options. For successful negotiations, optometrists should conduct thorough market research within the area, leveraging insights on local rates to advocate effectively for desired compensation while considering the trade-offs between hourly pay and benefits.
More salary data for University Place, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in University Place in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in University Place?
Are optometrists in University Place 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 University Place. 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 University Place 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