Optometrist Hourly Pay in Wenatchee, WA: $68.84 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Wenatchee, WA runs $68.84 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $143,189 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Wenatchee's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $64.10 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $85,911 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the optometrist hourly pay in Wenatchee, Washington, is projected to reach a median of $68.84, surpassing the national hourly median of $67.60. This hourly rate presents a promising opportunity for both full-time and part-time optometrists. Those working part-time, such as a three-day workweek schedule, can earn a substantial income even with reduced hours. The pay range for optometrists in Wenatchee spans from $39.93 for entry-level positions to $97.46 for the more experienced or specialized professionals, reflecting a diverse job market that caters to various skill levels within the field of optometry. Additionally, common work environments include private exam rooms, retail optical chains, and hospitals, each offering different pay prospects based on location and employer type.
About the Wenatchee 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) | $39.93 | $319.42 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55.87 | $446.93 |
| Median (P50) | $68.84 | $550.71 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $83.12 | $664.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $97.46 | $779.70 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wenatchee
Based on $68.84/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $68.84/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wenatchee, WA can expect to earn approximately $143,185 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $82,607. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Wenatchee.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wenatchee
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,753.56 | $11,932 | $143,185 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,652.14 | $7,159 | $85,911 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,101.42 | $4,773 | $57,274 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Wenatchee) | $68.84 |
| 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 Wenatchee, WA earn a median of $143,189 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.83% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 5.20% below the Washington state average of $151,043.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $68.84/hr = $85,911/year (purchasing power: $79,992).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $143,185/year (purchasing power: $133,320).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$56.42/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$66.86/hr
2026 Current Est.
$68.84/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Wenatchee (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56.42/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $57.79/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $60.85/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $61.48/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $64.55/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $72.46/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $66.86/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68.84/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70.88/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Wenatchee grew 18.5% from $56.42/hr (2019) to $66.86/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $70.88/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 Wenatchee 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 Wenatchee
For optometrists considering part-time roles, taking on a three-day workweek equates to around 24 hours of work, yielding a significant annual compensation even if working fewer days than full-time peers. Many per diem optometrists operating in Wenatchee can earn between $500 and $800 per day in retail settings, while agency fill-ins often see rates ranging from $700 to $1,200, depending on the nature of the practice, such as OD/MD offices or hospitals. Variations in hourly rates also manifest across employment types; private optometry practices may offer lower rates with benefits, while retail chains might provide higher pay but fewer perks. For those negotiating hourly pay, emphasizing expertise or specialization can strengthen one’s case, especially in a market like Wenatchee where demand remains strong for quality eye care services.
More salary data for Wenatchee, 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 Wenatchee. 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 Wenatchee 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