Optometrist Hourly Pay in Gainesville, GA: $61.53 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Gainesville, GA runs $61.53 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $127,988 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Gainesville's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.1, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $66.09 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $76,788 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Gainesville, Georgia, optometrists earn a median hourly rate of $61.53, which is lower than the national median of $67.60. This rate is significant for those opting for part-time positions or seeking per-diem work—an arrangement common in various settings, from private optometry practices to retail optical chains. For example, an optometrist working three days a week can still achieve a comfortable income while enjoying a better work-life balance. Hourly rates in Gainesville range from $35.80 at the entry-level (10th percentile) to $87.91 for the most experienced professionals (90th percentile), providing a spectrum of earning potential depending on experience and practice type. These hourly figures are derived from annual salary data, giving insight into what optometrists can expect as they navigate their careers in this sector.
About the Gainesville 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) | $35.80 | $286.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.34 | $402.70 |
| Median (P50) | $61.53 | $492.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74.58 | $596.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $87.91 | $703.26 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Gainesville
Based on $61.53/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $61.53/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Gainesville, GA can expect to earn approximately $127,980 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $73,835. With a cost-of-living index of 93.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Gainesville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Gainesville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,461.16 | $10,665 | $127,980 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,476.69 | $6,399 | $76,788 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $984.46 | $4,266 | $51,192 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Gainesville) | $61.53 |
| 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 Gainesville, GA earn a median of $127,988 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.98% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 4.70% below the Georgia state average of $134,300.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $61.53/hr = $76,788/year (purchasing power: $82,479).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $127,980/year (purchasing power: $137,465).
CoL index: 93.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$50.43/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$59.76/hr
2026 Current Est.
$61.53/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Gainesville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50.43/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $51.66/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $61.17/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $66.81/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $57.70/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $55.47/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $59.76/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61.53/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63.35/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Gainesville grew 18.5% from $50.43/hr (2019) to $59.76/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $63.35/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 Gainesville 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 Gainesville
Considering the earning potential for part-time work in Gainesville, a part-time optometrist working 24 hours a week can expect to take home a considerable sum annually, though it won't match the higher earnings of full-time colleagues. In a per-diem role, optometrists can earn anywhere from $500 to $1,200 a day, based on the setting and demand for their services. Hourly rates are further impacted by the type of employer—solo private practices might offer different compensation compared to retail chains like LensCrafters or ophthalmology clinics. Many optometrists find themselves weighing the benefits of higher hourly rates without health benefits against positions that provide insurance but may offer lower pay. This balance can significantly influence choices made by residency-trained optometrists and those involved in expanding their scope of practice. Negotiation skills are essential in this context, as understanding the local job market in Gainesville can lead to better compensation options tailored to personal career goals.
More salary data for Gainesville, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Gainesville in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Gainesville?
Are optometrists in Gainesville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Gainesville?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Gainesville?
Related Pages
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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 Gainesville. 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 Gainesville 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