Optometrist Hourly Pay in Sheridan, WY: $61.63 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Sheridan, WY runs $61.63 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $128,188 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Sheridan's regional price level (BEA RPP 95.8, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $64.33 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $76,917 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, optometrists in Sheridan, Wyoming, can expect a median hourly rate of $61.63, which falls below the national median of $67.60. This rate presents a viable option for those considering part-time work, such as a 3-day work week, where individuals can earn a competitive wage. Typical settings for optometrists in Sheridan include private optometry exam rooms, retail optical chains, and hospital outpatient clinics, allowing for flexible hours. The hourly wage range for optometrists spans from $35.75 at the lower end (P10) to $85.46 for the top earners (P90), making it accessible for both entry-level practitioners and seasoned professionals. The variability in pay reflects the demand for quality eye care in the region and the potential for optometrists to negotiate based on their experience and the employer type.
About the Sheridan 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) | $35.75 | $285.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49.90 | $399.24 |
| Median (P50) | $61.63 | $493.05 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $72.32 | $578.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $85.46 | $683.65 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Sheridan
Based on $61.63/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $61.63/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Sheridan, WY can expect to earn approximately $128,194 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $73,958. With a cost-of-living index of 95.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Sheridan.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Sheridan
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,465.27 | $10,683 | $128,194 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,479.16 | $6,410 | $76,917 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $986.11 | $4,273 | $51,278 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Sheridan) | $61.63 |
| 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 Sheridan, WY earn a median of $128,188 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.84% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 4.50% below the Wyoming state average of $134,229.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $61.63/hr = $76,917/year (purchasing power: $80,289).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $128,194/year (purchasing power: $133,814).
CoL index: 95.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$50.52/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$59.86/hr
2026 Current Est.
$61.63/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Sheridan (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50.52/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $51.74/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $54.48/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $55.05/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $57.80/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $56.29/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $59.86/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61.63/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63.46/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Sheridan grew 18.5% from $50.52/hr (2019) to $59.86/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $63.46/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 Sheridan 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 Sheridan
Considering the financial impact of part-time work, an optometrist operating on a 3-day work week, providing 24 hours of service annually, can still achieve significant earnings, albeit less than full-time practitioners. Per diem opportunities present lucrative earning potential, especially for locum tenens or those filling in at busy retail chains like Walmart Vision or Pearle Vision, where a daily rate can swing from $500 to $800. In contrast, more specialized roles in OD/MD practices can command between $700 and $1,200 daily. The pay structure can vary significantly based on the employer, with considerable benefits found in established practices, often offset by lower wages compared to those who operate independently or in higher-demand roles. When negotiating salaries in Sheridan, it's crucial for optometrists to weigh the trade-off between hourly pay and benefits, as some employers may offer lower rates with comprehensive health coverage. Understanding local market dynamics can assist in achieving a favorable agreement.
More salary data for Sheridan, WY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Sheridan in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Sheridan?
Are optometrists in Sheridan 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 Sheridan. 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 Sheridan 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