Optometrist Hourly Pay in Evans, GA: $62.60 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Evans, GA runs $62.60 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $130,217 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Evans's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.1, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $67.24 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $78,124 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Evans, Georgia, optometrists earn a median hourly pay of $62.60, which falls short of the national median of $67.60. This hourly wage provides a solid income for those in traditional employment settings, including private optometry practices, retail optical chains, and government positions. For part-time optometrists working three days a week, the pay can be substantial, allowing them to balance work-life commitments while still enjoying competitive earnings within the local market. Hourly rates can vary significantly, with entry-level optometrists earning around $37.93 per hour and seasoned professionals or those in specialized roles earning up to $87.66 per hour. This range highlights the potential for growth and advancement in the profession, especially considering the evolving scope of practice in optometry.
About the Evans Market
Salary estimated from Georgia average ($130,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37.93 | $303.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52.52 | $420.16 |
| Median (P50) | $62.60 | $500.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $73.45 | $587.61 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $87.66 | $701.28 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Evans
Based on $62.60/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $62.60/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Evans, GA can expect to earn approximately $130,207 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $75,120. With a cost-of-living index of 93.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Evans.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Evans
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,503.99 | $10,851 | $130,207 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,502.39 | $6,510 | $78,124 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,001.59 | $4,340 | $52,083 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Evans) | $62.60 |
| 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 Evans, GA earn a median of $130,217 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.39% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 3.00% below the Georgia state average of $134,244.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $62.60/hr = $78,124/year (purchasing power: $83,915).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $130,207/year (purchasing power: $139,858).
CoL index: 93.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$51.31/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$60.80/hr
2026 Current Est.
$62.60/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Evans (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51.31/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $52.56/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $55.34/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $55.91/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $58.70/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $56.44/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $60.80/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62.60/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64.45/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Evans grew 18.5% from $51.31/hr (2019) to $60.80/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $64.45/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 Evans 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 Evans
When considering part-time positions, a 3-day work schedule equates to approximately 24 hours weekly. In this scenario, an optometrist could earn a respectable annual income, although it would generally be less than their full-time counterparts. For per-diem or locum tenens positions, the flexibility can come with high pay; fill-in optometrists at retail chains typically bill between $500 and $800 for a day's work, while those in OD/MD practices charge $700 to $1,200 per day. Various factors influence hourly rates across employer types, with private practices, retail chains, and hospital systems offering different compensation structures. While some optometrists may accept lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance and retirement plans, others prioritize higher pay without these advantages. Effective negotiation is key in this market; understanding local pay rates, the demand for optometric services, and the value of one's qualifications can empower optometrists to secure a favorable position in the Evans optometry scene.
More salary data for Evans, GA:
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 Evans. 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 Evans 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