Optometrist Hourly Pay in Birmingham, AL: $80.63 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Birmingham, AL runs $80.63 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $167,712 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Birmingham's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.6, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $87.98 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $100,624 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Birmingham, Alabama, optometrists earn a median hourly wage of $80.63, which is significantly higher than the national median hourly rate of $67.60. This competitive pay structure provides a strong incentive for optometrists to work in various settings, whether they choose to operate part-time—such as three days a week—or take on per-diem roles. In private optometry exam rooms, retail optical chains, and VA outpatient clinics, hourly wages can vary greatly, with entry-level optometrists earning as low as $36.51 per hour, while more experienced professionals can command upwards of $97.32. The official Bureau of Labor Statistics data for 2026 indicates that Birmingham's optometrist hourly pay not only reflects local demand but also demonstrates a commitment to competitive compensation in specialty areas of eye care.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36.51 | $292.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $65.89 | $527.16 |
| Median (P50) | $80.63 | $645.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $84.47 | $675.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $97.32 | $778.54 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Birmingham
Based on $80.63/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $80.63/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Birmingham, AL can expect to earn approximately $167,706 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $96,754. With a cost-of-living index of 91.64 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Birmingham.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Birmingham
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,225.12 | $13,976 | $167,706 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,935.07 | $8,385 | $100,624 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,290.05 | $5,590 | $67,082 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Birmingham) | $80.63 |
| 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 Birmingham, AL earn a median of $167,712 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.27% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 35.70% above the Alabama state average of $123,590.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $80.63/hr = $100,624/year (purchasing power: $109,798).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $167,706/year (purchasing power: $182,997).
CoL index: 91.644 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$49.68/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$78.31/hr
2026 Current Est.
$80.63/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+67.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Birmingham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49.68/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $47.86/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $50.83/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $56.81/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $60.16/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $65.89/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $78.31/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80.63/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $83.01/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Birmingham grew 57.6% from $49.68/hr (2019) to $78.31/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $83.01/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 Birmingham 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 Birmingham
When considering part-time work, an optometrist in Birmingham putting in 24 hours a week can expect to take home a considerable income over the year while retaining flexibility. Part-time workers can earn substantial cash flow, especially when considering per diem options. Per-diem optometrist pay in Birmingham averages between $500-$800 daily at retail chains, while fill-in roles in OD/MD practices offer anywhere from $700 to $1,200 per day. For those looking to specialize, residency-trained ocular disease optometrists may even receive hourly compensation between $90 and $130. The type of employer significantly impacts hourly pay; private practices, retail chains, and hospitals will each offer different compensation packages that include or exclude benefits. In this dynamic context, negotiating for superior hourly rates versus overall compensation with benefits is key, particularly in private practices seeking to attract talent amidst changing industry standards.
More salary data for Birmingham, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Birmingham in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Birmingham?
Are optometrists in Birmingham paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Birmingham?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Birmingham?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Alabama
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 Birmingham. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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