Optometrist Hourly Pay in Wheeling, WV: $55.70 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Wheeling, WV runs $55.70 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $115,862 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Wheeling's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.5, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $64.39 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $69,515 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Wheeling, West Virginia, the projected optometrist hourly pay for 2026 stands at $55.70, which is notably lower than the national median of $67.60. This rate translates to various working opportunities within the optometry field, making it relevant for those considering part-time positions or per-diem work. For example, a part-time optometrist working three days a week can expect to earn a substantial hourly wage while managing a flexible schedule across diverse settings like private optometry offices, retail optical outlets, and outpatient clinics. The hourly pay can range significantly, from around $32.31 for entry-level positions to approximately $79.35 for experienced professionals, reflecting the salaries of five optometrists employed within the area.
About the Wheeling Market
Salary estimated from West Virginia average ($115,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32.31 | $258.47 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45.52 | $364.15 |
| Median (P50) | $55.70 | $445.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $66.31 | $530.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $79.35 | $634.81 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wheeling
Based on $55.70/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $55.70/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wheeling, WV can expect to earn approximately $115,859 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $66,842. With a cost-of-living index of 86.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Wheeling.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wheeling
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,228.05 | $9,655 | $115,859 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,336.83 | $5,793 | $69,515 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $891.22 | $3,862 | $46,344 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Wheeling) | $55.70 |
| 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 Wheeling, WV earn a median of $115,862 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.60% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 4.70% below the West Virginia state average of $121,576.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $55.70/hr = $69,515/year (purchasing power: $80,365).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $115,859/year (purchasing power: $133,941).
CoL index: 86.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$60.94/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$54.10/hr
2026 Current Est.
$55.70/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+-5.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Wheeling (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60.94/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $51.90/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $49.24/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $49.75/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $52.23/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $45.56/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $54.10/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $55.70/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57.35/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Wheeling grew -11.2% from $60.94/hr (2019) to $54.10/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $57.35/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 Wheeling 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 Wheeling
Optometrists in Wheeling seeking part-time arrangements, such as a three-day workweek totaling 24 hours, might earn a gross annual income that is competitive but less than their full-time counterparts. For example, while a full-time optometrist at the median hourly rate can accumulate a more substantial annual earning, part-time practitioners still benefit from the flexibility that their varied employment offers. Per diem rates also factor into the overall earnings, with values ranging from $500 to $800 daily at retail chains, and even higher up to $1,200 per day in specialty settings. Various factors, including the type of employer—whether a private practice, retail chain, or medical center—significantly impact pay rates. Optometrists might choose a lower hourly rate with benefits from established medical centers over higher rates without those perks. Cost negotiation remains crucial, as understanding the local market dynamics can empower optometrists to make informed decisions about their pay and working conditions in Wheeling, WV.
More salary data for Wheeling, WV:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Wheeling in 2026?
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Are optometrists in Wheeling 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 Wheeling. 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 Wheeling 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