Optometrist Hourly Pay in Texarkana, AR: $56.50 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Texarkana, AR runs $56.50 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $117,535 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Texarkana's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $65.02 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $70,518 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the hourly median pay for optometrists in Texarkana, Arkansas, stands at $56.50, which is notably lower than the national hourly median of $67.60. This hourly rate can greatly affect the income of part-time and per-diem optometrists, who are often employed in various settings such as private practices, retail optical chains, and VA outpatient clinics. For instance, a part-time optometrist working three days a week could earn approximately $43,950 annually based on the median rate, which may appeal to those seeking a balanced lifestyle. Furthermore, the hourly pay for optometrists in Texarkana can vary widely, ranging from $33.70 at the lower end (10th percentile) to $81.69 for the top earners (90th percentile), demonstrating that experience and employment setting significantly influence hourly compensation.
About the Texarkana Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($115,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33.70 | $269.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46.84 | $374.69 |
| Median (P50) | $56.50 | $452.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $67.87 | $542.97 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $81.69 | $653.51 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Texarkana
Based on $56.50/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $56.50/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Texarkana, AR can expect to earn approximately $117,529 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $67,805. With a cost-of-living index of 86.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Texarkana.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Texarkana
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,260.18 | $9,794 | $117,529 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,356.11 | $5,876 | $70,518 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $904.07 | $3,918 | $47,012 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Texarkana) | $56.50 |
| 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 Texarkana, AR earn a median of $117,535 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.41% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 3.80% below the Arkansas state average of $122,178.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $56.50/hr = $70,518/year (purchasing power: $81,148).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $117,529/year (purchasing power: $135,247).
CoL index: 86.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$46.31/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$54.88/hr
2026 Current Est.
$56.50/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Texarkana (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46.31/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $47.44/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $49.95/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $50.47/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $52.99/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $46.21/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $54.88/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56.50/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58.18/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Texarkana grew 18.5% from $46.31/hr (2019) to $54.88/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $58.18/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 Texarkana 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 Texarkana
Considering the dynamics of part-time work, a 24-hour-per-week optometrist in Texarkana could realistically earn around $43,950 annually when working at the median hourly rate. The per diem landscape adds complexity, as fill-in optometrists typically earn between $500 and $800 daily at retail chains, and even more in specialized settings, such as $700 to $1,200 at OD/MD practices. Notably, residency-trained optometrists working in hospital settings often receive $90 to $130 per hour. Variability also exists across employment types; private practices may offer lower pay, while retail chains and specialty clinics might offer higher rates but potentially fewer benefits. In negotiating hourly pay, it's essential for optometrists in Texarkana to consider their long-term financial needs, especially when opting for higher hourly wages that forgo benefits. Understanding the local job market and the implications of employment choices can provide valuable leverage during salary discussions.
More salary data for Texarkana, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Texarkana in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Texarkana?
Are optometrists in Texarkana paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Texarkana?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Texarkana?
Related Pages
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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 Texarkana. 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 Texarkana 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