Optometrist Salary in Waipahu, HI: $164,378 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Waipahu, HI earns a median $164,378/year (≈ $79.03/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Waipahu's price level (19% above national, BEA RPP 119.3), that paycheck buys what $137,785 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.0% below the Hawaii state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, optometrists in Waipahu, Hawaii, can expect a median annual salary of $164,378, reflecting the state's broad scope of practice, which includes glaucoma management, prescribing oral medications, and performing laser procedures. The salary range within this profession spans from $95,339 at the lower decile to $243,559 at the upper decile, indicating a significant variance in pay based on experience, education, and practice settings. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost disparities, provide a robust context for understanding how much do optometrists make in Waipahu. The growing demand for eye care services in this area has solidified a competitive job market, making it an attractive destination for both seasoned practitioners and newcomers to the field.
About the Waipahu Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($140,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $95,339 | $45.84 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $129,939 | $62.47 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $164,378 | $79.03 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $191,315 | $91.97 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $243,559 | $117.10 |
Median Salary Position
16.90% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Waipahu
In Waipahu, HI, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $148,220 (2026 est.). At $164,378, the local median is 16.9% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Waipahu: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Waipahu Optometrist Pay Compares
Waipahu median: $164,378/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Waipahu Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii Average | $167,732 | -2.00% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | +16.90% more |
Optometrists in Waipahu, HI earn a median of $164,378 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.90% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 2.00% below the Hawaii state average of $167,732.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Waipahu has a cost of living 19.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Waipahu, HI has a cost-of-living index of 119.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $164,378 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $137,785 — a 16.18% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$134,729
2025 BLS Actual
$159,652
2026 Current Est.
$164,378
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Waipahu (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $134,729 | Actual |
| 2020 | $138,002 | Actual |
| 2021 | $145,308 | Actual |
| 2022 | $146,816 | Actual |
| 2023 | $154,146 | Actual |
| 2024 | $163,662 | Actual |
| 2025 | $159,652 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $164,378 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $169,243 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Waipahu metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $134,729 (2019) to $159,652 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $169,243 by 2027 — a total increase of $34,514 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Waipahu 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) | $95,339 – $129,939 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $129,939 – $164,378 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $164,378 – $191,315 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $191,315 – $243,559 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Waipahu
With nine optometrists currently employed in Waipahu, the local job market remains relatively small but stable, contributing to a median hourly wage of $79.03. The cost of living index in Waipahu stands at 119.3, reflecting a higher-than-average living expense compared to national standards. This situation impacts take-home purchasing power and heightens the importance of understanding employer dynamics. Private optometry practices and ophthalmology groups often lead in compensation, while retail optical chains may offer less competitive pay but potentially more stable hours. Factors influencing salary disparities include practice ownership, the extent of residency training, and the economic viability of private practices versus corporate chains. To maximize pay, aspiring optometrists should consider gaining specialized training or pursuing roles in collaboration with ophthalmologists, as these opportunities often come with lucrative salary agreements.
More salary data for Waipahu, 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 $159,652 for optometristsin the Waipahu 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 Waipahu 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