Optometrist Hourly Pay in Flagstaff, AZ: $65.01 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Flagstaff, AZ runs $65.01 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $135,214 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Flagstaff's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $66.00 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $81,131 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the optometrist hourly pay in Flagstaff, Arizona, is projected to be $65.01, which slightly trails the national average of $67.60. This wage provides flexibility not only for full-time practitioners, but also for part-time professionals who may work just three days a week, equating to a healthier work-life balance. The range of hourly pay varies significantly, with entry-level optometrists earning around $37.70, while the top earners can make as much as $96.00 per hour. Such compensation reflects the diverse work settings available to optometrists in Flagstaff, including private practices, retail optical chains, and VA outpatient clinics, all of which affect an optometrist's earning potential based on their experience and practice setting.
About the Flagstaff 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) | $37.70 | $301.63 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52.63 | $421.07 |
| Median (P50) | $65.01 | $520.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78.94 | $631.52 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $96.00 | $768.00 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Flagstaff
Based on $65.01/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $65.01/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Flagstaff, AZ can expect to earn approximately $135,219 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $78,011. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Flagstaff.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Flagstaff
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,600.36 | $11,268 | $135,219 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,560.21 | $6,761 | $81,131 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,040.14 | $4,507 | $54,087 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Flagstaff) | $65.01 |
| 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 Flagstaff, AZ earn a median of $135,214 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.84% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 2.40% below the Arizona state average of $138,539.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $65.01/hr = $81,131/year (purchasing power: $82,367).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $135,219/year (purchasing power: $137,278).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$53.28/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$63.14/hr
2026 Current Est.
$65.01/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Flagstaff (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53.28/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $54.58/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $57.47/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $58.06/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $60.96/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $62.41/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $63.14/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65.01/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66.93/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Flagstaff grew 18.5% from $53.28/hr (2019) to $63.14/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $66.93/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 Flagstaff 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 Flagstaff
When considering part-time work, an optometrist in Flagstaff working 24 hours a week might earn an annual income that is substantially lower than a full-time role, yet exceptional for someone seeking a flexible schedule. Per diem optometrist pay in Flagstaff can also be lucrative; professionals often command between $500 to $800 daily at retail chains, while fill-in roles at OD/MD practices can reach $700 to $1,200 per day. Hourly rates fluctuate based on the type of employer, with private practices generally offering varying compensation levels compared to larger retail chains or specialized ophthalmology practices. Many optometrists may opt for lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits like health insurance, which are typically not offered in higher-paying per diem positions. For those negotiating their hourly pay, understanding the local market and leveraging residency training or specialization can also enhance earning prospects.
More salary data for Flagstaff, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Flagstaff in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Flagstaff?
Are optometrists in Flagstaff paid hourly or salary?
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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 Flagstaff. 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 Flagstaff 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