Optometrist Hourly Pay in Wheat Ridge, CO: $68.30 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Wheat Ridge, CO runs $68.30 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $142,063 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Wheat Ridge's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $65.05 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $85,243 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Wheat Ridge, Colorado, the optometrist hourly rate stands at $68.30, which aligns slightly above the national hourly median of $67.60. This competitive pay allows for substantial earnings even for those working part-time or on a per-diem basis. For example, an optometrist working three days a week can expect to earn a healthy income in various settings including private practices, retail optical chains, and outpatient clinics. Entry-level optometrists may start at around $40.77 per hour, while experienced professionals can earn up to $98.78 per hour. Such a structure provides flexibility and potential for growth, as these hourly rates are based on estimates derived from annual salary data, reflecting the diverse opportunities available within the profession.
About the Wheat Ridge 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) | $40.77 | $326.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $56.63 | $453.02 |
| Median (P50) | $68.30 | $546.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $82.06 | $656.47 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $98.78 | $790.24 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wheat Ridge
Based on $68.30/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $68.30/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wheat Ridge, CO can expect to earn approximately $142,072 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $81,964. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Wheat Ridge.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wheat Ridge
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,732.15 | $11,839 | $142,072 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,639.29 | $7,104 | $85,243 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,092.86 | $4,736 | $56,829 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Wheat Ridge) | $68.30 |
| 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 Wheat Ridge, CO earn a median of $142,063 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.03% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 3.80% below the Colorado state average of $147,675.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $68.30/hr = $85,243/year (purchasing power: $81,184).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $142,072/year (purchasing power: $135,306).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$55.98/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$66.34/hr
2026 Current Est.
$68.30/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Wheat Ridge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55.98/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $57.34/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $60.38/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $61.01/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $64.05/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $68.00/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $66.34/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68.30/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70.33/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Wheat Ridge grew 18.5% from $55.98/hr (2019) to $66.34/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $70.33/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 Wheat Ridge 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 Wheat Ridge
Part-time optometrists who work an average of 24 hours a week can anticipate a significant annual income, with earnings from about $68,000 for a three-day work week. This is considerably less than a full-time optometrist's salary but remains a viable option for those prioritizing a balanced work-life schedule. For optometrists considering per-diem work, opportunities abound; those filling in at retail chains might bill between $500 to $800 per day, while those in OD/MD practices could see daily rates ranging from $700 to $1,200. The variability in hourly rates often depends on the type of employer: private practices might offer lower rates in exchange for benefits, while retail chains may provide higher pay with limited health coverage. It's essential for optometrists in Wheat Ridge to negotiate effectively, considering not just the hourly wage but the total value of employment offers, especially if benefits are involved.
More salary data for Wheat Ridge, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Wheat Ridge in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Wheat Ridge?
Are optometrists in Wheat Ridge paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Wheat Ridge?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Wheat Ridge?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
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 Wheat Ridge. 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 Wheat Ridge 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