Optometrist Hourly Pay in Avondale, AZ: $67.40 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Avondale, AZ runs $67.40 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $140,184 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Avondale's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $68.42 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $84,112 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Avondale, Arizona, the optometrist hourly pay is projected to be $67.40 in 2026, a slight decrease from the national median of $67.60 per hour. This competitive hourly rate allows various optometrists to consider part-time work or per-diem opportunities within private exam rooms, retail optical chain locations, and university teaching clinics. For those opting for part-time schedules—such as working three days a week—income can vary significantly, with entry-level optometrists earning around $39.09 an hour and more seasoned professionals making up to $100.30 per hour. These estimates reflect a comprehensive understanding of the hourly pay of this profession, depending on the practitioner's experience and the specific work setting.
About the Avondale Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39.09 | $312.75 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53.46 | $427.65 |
| Median (P50) | $67.40 | $539.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $82.10 | $656.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $100.30 | $802.43 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Avondale
Based on $67.40/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $67.40/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Avondale, AZ can expect to earn approximately $140,187 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $80,877. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Avondale.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Avondale
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,695.90 | $11,682 | $140,187 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,617.54 | $7,009 | $84,112 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,078.36 | $4,673 | $56,075 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Avondale) | $67.40 |
| 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 Avondale, AZ earn a median of $140,184 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.30% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 1.20% above the Arizona state average of $138,522.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $67.40/hr = $84,112/year (purchasing power: $85,393).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $140,187/year (purchasing power: $142,322).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$55.24/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$65.46/hr
2026 Current Est.
$67.40/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Avondale (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55.24/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $56.58/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $59.58/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $60.20/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $63.20/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $64.71/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $65.46/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67.40/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69.39/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Avondale grew 18.5% from $55.24/hr (2019) to $65.46/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $69.39/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 Avondale 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 Avondale
Looking at the overall earning potential, a part-time optometrist working three days a week for 24 hours would earn approximately $83,184 annually, significantly less than their full-time counterparts earning over $140,184 annually. Per diem optometrists in Avondale frequently charge $500 to $800 daily at retail chains, while those working in OD/MD practices often range from $700 to $1,200 per day. Hourly rates may vary across different employer types, from private practices to retail giants like LensCrafters and Walmart Vision. Many optometrists might find a lower hourly rate appealing if it includes benefits such as health insurance. For those negotiating, it's critical to consider the total compensation package, including benefits—understanding the trade-offs in hourly pay versus overall stability can lead to more informed career choices in the evolving field of optometry.
More salary data for Avondale, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Avondale in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Avondale?
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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 Avondale. 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 Avondale 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