Optometrist Salary in East Honolulu, HI: $164,443 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in East Honolulu, HI earns a median $164,443/year (≈ $79.06/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in East Honolulu's price level (19% above national, BEA RPP 119.3), that paycheck buys what $137,840 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.0% below the Hawaii state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In East Honolulu, HI, optometrists enjoy a median annual salary of $164,443, reflecting a notable 16.95% premium compared to the national median of $140,612 for the profession in 2026. The projected salary range varies significantly, from $95,377 at the 10th percentile to $243,784 for those in the 90th percentile, indicating diverse compensation levels influenced by factors such as experience and employment settings. These figures are estimated based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local economic conditions, and present a robust picture of the optometrist salary in East Honolulu. With the increasing trend towards surgical co-management under the OD/MD model, many practitioners can tap additional revenue streams, further enhancing their overall compensation.
About the East Honolulu Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($140,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $95,377 | $45.86 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $130,070 | $62.54 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $164,443 | $79.06 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $191,469 | $92.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $243,784 | $117.20 |
Median Salary Position
16.95% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in East Honolulu
In East Honolulu, HI, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $148,407 (2026 est.). At $164,443, the local median is 16.95% above the national median of $140,612.
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At 40 hours/week in East Honolulu: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How East Honolulu Optometrist Pay Compares
East Honolulu median: $164,443/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | East Honolulu Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii Average | $167,799 | -2.00% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | +16.95% more |
Optometrists in East Honolulu, HI earn a median of $164,443 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.95% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 2.00% below the Hawaii state average of $167,799.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
East Honolulu has a cost of living 19.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
East Honolulu, HI has a cost-of-living index of 119.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $164,443 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $137,840 — a 16.18% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$134,782
2025 BLS Actual
$159,715
2026 Current Est.
$164,443
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in East Honolulu (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $134,782 | Actual |
| 2020 | $138,056 | Actual |
| 2021 | $145,366 | Actual |
| 2022 | $146,874 | Actual |
| 2023 | $154,207 | Actual |
| 2024 | $163,727 | Actual |
| 2025 | $159,715 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $164,443 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $169,310 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the East Honolulu metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $134,782 (2019) to $159,715 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $169,310 by 2027 — a total increase of $34,528 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the East Honolulu 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $95,377 – $130,070 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $130,070 – $164,443 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $164,443 – $191,469 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $191,469 – $243,784 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in East Honolulu
Across the local job market, there are currently 12 optometrists employed in East Honolulu, each navigating a cost of living index of 119.3, which indicates that expenses tend to be higher than the national average. This dynamic can impact take-home pay and purchasing power significantly. Employers such as private optometry practices, retail optical chains like LensCrafters and Visionworks, ophthalmology groups, and the military health system compete for talent, often leading to varied salary offers. Among these, practitioners affiliated with the OD/MD model, especially those engaged in surgical co-management, often command higher salaries due to the revenue-sharing opportunities available through referrals. To maximize pay in this market, aspiring optometrists might consider pursuing residency training in ocular disease or establishing equity in private practices, as both avenues can create competitive advantages in salary negotiations. Exploring opportunities with established ophthalmology practices may also yield promising financial returns, especially as the field evolves and incorporates new technologies and treatments.
More salary data for East Honolulu, HI:
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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $159,715 for optometristsin the East Honolulu metropolitan area. A 2.96% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for East Honolulu 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