Optometrist Hourly Pay in Jackson, WY: $59.23 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Jackson, WY runs $59.23 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $123,201 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Jackson's regional price level (BEA RPP 95.8, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $61.83 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $73,923 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Jackson, WY, optometrists are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $59.23 in 2026, which falls below the national median of $67.60. This discrepancy means that those working part-time, or those seeking per-diem opportunities, could earn varying incomes depending on their schedule and work settings. Optometrists typically work in private practices, retail chains, or outpatient clinics, which directly influences their hourly earnings. Entry-level positions may start around $34.64 on the lower end, while the most experienced optometrists may command as much as $81.27 per hour. The local cost of living, indicated by a cost of living index of 95.8, is below the national average, affecting how far these hourly wages stretch in the region.
About the Jackson Market
Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34.64 | $277.09 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47.40 | $379.22 |
| Median (P50) | $59.23 | $473.86 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $68.96 | $551.70 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $81.27 | $650.13 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Jackson
Based on $59.23/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $59.23/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Jackson, WY can expect to earn approximately $123,204 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $71,079. With a cost-of-living index of 95.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Jackson.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Jackson
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,369.32 | $10,267 | $123,204 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,421.59 | $6,160 | $73,923 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $947.73 | $4,107 | $49,282 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Jackson) | $59.23 |
| 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 Jackson, WY earn a median of $123,201 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.38% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 8.20% below the Wyoming state average of $134,206.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $59.23/hr = $73,923/year (purchasing power: $77,164).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $123,204/year (purchasing power: $128,606).
CoL index: 95.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$48.55/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$57.53/hr
2026 Current Est.
$59.23/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Jackson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48.55/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $49.73/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $52.36/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $52.90/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $55.55/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $54.10/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $57.53/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59.23/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60.99/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Jackson grew 18.5% from $48.55/hr (2019) to $57.53/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $60.99/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 Jackson 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 Jackson
When considering a part-time position, an optometrist working three days a week at an average of 24 hours can expect to earn significantly less annually than their full-time counterparts. For example, part-time professionals may pull in approximately $74,892 a year while full-time optometrists could approach $123,201. Per diem optometrist pay rates in Jackson vary widely; retail chains may offer $500 to $800 a day, whereas agency or locum tenens opportunities could see rates as high as $1,200 daily for specialized ODs. These disparities highlight the differences in earnings between various employment types such as private practice, retail optical chains like LensCrafters, or hospital systems. Ultimately, some optometrists in Jackson may opt for positions offering lower hourly rates due to benefits like health insurance, while others may prioritize higher per-hour earnings without the safety net of those benefits. For those negotiating hourly pay in this dynamic market, it’s vital to weigh both immediate wages and long-term benefits carefully.
More salary data for Jackson, WY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Jackson in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Jackson?
Are optometrists in Jackson paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Jackson?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Jackson?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Wyoming
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 Jackson. 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 Jackson 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