Optometrist Hourly Pay in Loveland, CO: $78.87 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Loveland, CO runs $78.87 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $164,045 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Loveland's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $75.11 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $98,426 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Optometrists in Loveland, Colorado, are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $78.87 in 2026, which is significantly higher than the national median of $67.60. This favorable pay scale reflects the growing demand for vision care services within the area. For part-time professionals, like those working three days a week, this hourly rate can equate to a substantial income, especially when considering the average schedules in various settings such as private optometry exam rooms, retail optical chains, and VA outpatient facilities. The hourly wage range for optometrists in Loveland stretches from $45.75 at the 10th percentile to $114.88 at the 90th percentile, enabling both entry-level optometrists and experienced practitioners to find a suitable earning path based on their employment context.
Part-time optometrists working in Loveland can take home a compelling income when operating on a three-day, 24-hour week basis. For instance, a part-time professional might earn approximately $97,070 annually, a figure that highlights the lucrative aspect of part-time employment in this field when averaged over the course of the year. The per diem optometrist pay in Loveland can also be quite appealing, with retail chain fill-in professionals billing $500 to $800 per day, while those in private practices can earn $700 to $1,200 daily. Variations in hourly compensation do exist depending on the type of employer; for example, solo or group private practices, retail optical chains, and ophthalmology models each offer distinct pay structures. While some optometrists may choose higher hourly pay in roles without benefits, others prefer the stability of a full-time position that often includes health coverage, influencing their overall compensation decisions. For those looking to negotiate effectively, research local salary ranges and consider the comprehensive benefits offered alongside hourly pay to maximize earning potential without sacrificing one's work-life balance in Loveland.
About the Loveland 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) | $45.75 | $365.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $62.90 | $503.19 |
| Median (P50) | $78.87 | $630.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $94.83 | $758.61 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $114.88 | $919.06 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Loveland
Based on $78.87/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $78.87/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Loveland, CO can expect to earn approximately $164,044 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $94,641. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Loveland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Loveland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,154.69 | $13,670 | $164,044 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,892.82 | $8,202 | $98,426 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,261.88 | $5,468 | $65,618 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Loveland) | $78.87 |
| 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 Loveland, CO earn a median of $164,045 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.67% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 11.10% above the Colorado state average of $147,655.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $78.87/hr = $98,426/year (purchasing power: $93,739).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $164,044/year (purchasing power: $156,232).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$64.64/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$76.60/hr
2026 Current Est.
$78.87/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Loveland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64.64/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $66.21/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $69.72/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $70.44/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $73.96/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $68.29/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $76.60/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78.87/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81.20/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Loveland grew 18.5% from $64.64/hr (2019) to $76.60/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $81.20/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 Loveland 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.
More salary data for Loveland, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Loveland in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Loveland?
Are optometrists in Loveland paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Loveland?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Loveland?
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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 Loveland. 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 Loveland 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