Optometrist Hourly Pay in Walla Walla, WA: $68.92 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Walla Walla, WA runs $68.92 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $143,352 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Walla Walla's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $64.17 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $86,014 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Walla Walla, WA, the median hourly pay for optometrists is projected to be $68.92 in 2026, slightly above the national median of $67.60. This rate is particularly beneficial for those pursuing part-time positions, such as working three days a week, where they can still earn a lucrative income. Per-diem optometrists engaged in various practice settings, including private offices, retail optical chains, and university clinics, can also find the flexibility appealing. With an hourly range spanning from $39.97 for entry-level positions to $97.72 for top earners, Walla Walla offers a competitive landscape for optometrists, driven by the demand for eye care in both primary and specialized settings. Hourly rates are extrapolated from annual salary estimates and reflect the nuances of this evolving profession.
About the Walla Walla 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) | $39.97 | $319.75 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $56.02 | $448.16 |
| Median (P50) | $68.92 | $551.37 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $81.81 | $654.50 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $97.72 | $781.75 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Walla Walla
Based on $68.92/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $68.92/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Walla Walla, WA can expect to earn approximately $143,357 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $82,706. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Walla Walla.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Walla Walla
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,756.86 | $11,946 | $143,357 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,654.11 | $7,168 | $86,014 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,102.74 | $4,779 | $57,343 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Walla Walla) | $68.92 |
| 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 Walla Walla, WA earn a median of $143,352 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.95% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 5.10% below the Washington state average of $151,056.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $68.92/hr = $86,014/year (purchasing power: $80,087).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $143,357/year (purchasing power: $133,479).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$56.49/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$66.94/hr
2026 Current Est.
$68.92/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Walla Walla (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56.49/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $57.86/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $60.93/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $61.56/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $64.63/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $72.54/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $66.94/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68.92/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70.96/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Walla Walla grew 18.5% from $56.49/hr (2019) to $66.94/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $70.96/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 Walla Walla 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 Walla Walla
Several factors influence the overall earning potential of optometrists in Walla Walla, especially in terms of part-time versus full-time work. A three-day workweek, totaling 24 hours, would yield an estimated annual income significantly lower than that of a full-time optometrist. Per-diem roles frequently allow flexibility but come with variable pay structures. Optometrists in retail settings commonly receive daily rates between $500 to $800, while those filling in at OD/MD practices often earn between $700 and $1,200 per day. Additionally, residency-trained ocular disease specialists working in hospital systems can command hourly rates of $90 to $130. The variability of hourly rates across employers is evident; private practices and retail chains may offer different pay scales that can impact whether optometrists opt for higher hourly wages without benefits or slightly lower pay to secure health insurance. For those negotiating in Walla Walla, understanding this spectrum can empower optometrists to align their compensation expectations with both their financial needs and career goals.
More salary data for Walla Walla, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Walla Walla in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Walla Walla?
Are optometrists in Walla Walla paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Walla Walla?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Walla Walla?
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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 Walla Walla. 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 Walla Walla 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