Optometrist Hourly Pay in Sebastian, FL: $75.92 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Sebastian, FL runs $75.92 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $157,923 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Sebastian's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.8, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $75.32 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $94,752 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Optometrists in Sebastian, Florida, can expect a median hourly rate of $75.92, which significantly surpasses the national median of $67.60. This higher wage reflects the area’s cost of living and the demand for quality eye care. For those looking to work part-time, such as three days a week, this rate translates into a lucrative earning potential compared to many other professions. Typically employed in settings like private optometry exam rooms, retail optical chains, or VA outpatient clinics, an optometrist's hourly wage can range from $44.83 at the entry level to about $111.92 for top performers. These hourly figures are derived from projected annual salary data, illustrating a healthy compensation landscape for optometrists in the region.
About the Sebastian Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($130,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44.83 | $358.63 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $62.59 | $500.72 |
| Median (P50) | $75.92 | $607.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $92.50 | $739.99 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $111.92 | $895.34 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Sebastian
Based on $75.92/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $75.92/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Sebastian, FL can expect to earn approximately $157,919 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $91,107. With a cost-of-living index of 100.80 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Sebastian.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Sebastian
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,036.91 | $13,160 | $157,919 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,822.14 | $7,896 | $94,752 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,214.76 | $5,264 | $63,168 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Sebastian) | $75.92 |
| 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 Sebastian, FL earn a median of $157,923 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.31% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 2.40% below the Florida state average of $161,806.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $75.92/hr = $94,752/year (purchasing power: $94,000).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $157,919/year (purchasing power: $156,666).
CoL index: 100.8 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$62.23/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$73.74/hr
2026 Current Est.
$75.92/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Sebastian (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62.23/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $63.74/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $67.11/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $67.81/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $71.20/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $61.49/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $73.74/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $75.92/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78.17/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Sebastian grew 18.5% from $62.23/hr (2019) to $73.74/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $78.17/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 Sebastian 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 Sebastian
Considering part-time work, a three-day workweek translating to roughly 24 hours can yield substantial annual earnings for optometrists, although those seeking part-time roles know this contrasts with full-time benefits. Per diem opportunities present another avenue; these optometrists often command higher daily rates, such as $500-$800 at retail chains, and potentially $700-$1,200 in private practice settings. Notably, those with specialized training in ocular disease may see hourly rates ranging from $90-$130, especially within hospital systems. Hourly rates can vary widely across different employer types in Sebastian, including private practices, retail chains, and VA medical centers. While some may opt for positions with lower hourly pay for comprehensive benefits, others prefer the flexibility and higher pay of per diem work. An effective negotiation strategy is vital for hourly workers; understanding the unique dynamics of the local job market and aligning expectations with industry standards will be critical for securing favorable terms.
More salary data for Sebastian, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Sebastian. 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 Sebastian 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