Optometrist Hourly Pay in Louisville, CO: $66.12 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Louisville, CO runs $66.12 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $137,536 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Louisville's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $62.97 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $82,519 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the optometrist hourly pay in Louisville, Colorado is projected to be $66.12, slightly below the national median of $67.60. This rate offers a solid earning potential for both full-time and part-time positions, including those working three days a week in various settings such as private offices, retail optical locations, and ophthalmic clinics. For part-time optometrists, working approximately 24 hours weekly can lead to significant earnings, yet they may miss out on benefits typically offered in full-time roles. The hourly wage range sees entry-level positions starting at around $38.50, while highly experienced professionals can command as much as $92.40, giving an incentive for ongoing education and specialties.
About the Louisville Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($140,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.50 | $307.97 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54.13 | $433.01 |
| Median (P50) | $66.12 | $528.97 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78.18 | $625.42 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $92.40 | $739.17 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Louisville
Based on $66.12/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $66.12/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Louisville, CO can expect to earn approximately $137,531 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $79,345. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Louisville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Louisville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,644.84 | $11,461 | $137,531 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,586.90 | $6,877 | $82,519 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,057.93 | $4,584 | $55,013 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Louisville) | $66.12 |
| 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 Louisville, CO earn a median of $137,536 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.19% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 6.80% below the Colorado state average of $147,571.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $66.12/hr = $82,519/year (purchasing power: $78,589).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $137,531/year (purchasing power: $130,982).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$54.19/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$64.22/hr
2026 Current Est.
$66.12/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Louisville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54.19/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $55.51/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $58.45/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $59.06/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $62.01/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $65.83/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $64.22/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66.12/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68.08/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Louisville grew 18.5% from $54.19/hr (2019) to $64.22/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $68.08/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 Louisville 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 Louisville
Compensation for per diem optometrists in Louisville varies based on the employer type, with many filling in at retail optical chains billing between $500 and $800 daily. Those taking on locum or agency roles at OD/MD practices can expect to earn approximately $700 to $1,200 per day depending on their experience and qualifications, particularly if residency-trained in ocular disease. Employment diversity in Louisville includes independent practices, retail chains like LensCrafters, and vision insurance plans, each offering unique compensation structures. Some optometrists might initially accept lower hourly rates for positions providing health insurance and stability, but others prioritize higher pay without benefits for greater short-term income. Successful negotiation strategies in the Louisville market often revolve around demonstrating specialized skills or residency training, particularly as the field adapts to changes in scope-of-practice regulations, including glaucoma management.
More salary data for Louisville, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Louisville in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Louisville?
Are optometrists in Louisville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Louisville?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Louisville?
Related Pages
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Nearby Cities in Colorado
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 Louisville. 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 Louisville 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