Optometrist Hourly Pay in McDonough, GA: $62.21 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in McDonough, GA runs $62.21 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $129,394 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against McDonough's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.1, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $66.82 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $77,636 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In McDonough, Georgia, the optometrist hourly pay stands at a median of $62.21, which is notably lower than the national average of $67.60. This figure provides a solid foundation for both full-time and part-time practitioners, including those working three days a week in various settings like private optometry clinics, retail optical stores, and ophthalmology practices. For part-time optometrists, this means stability while balancing other commitments, while per-diem roles can often lead to varied day rates based on employer context. The hourly compensation ranges from $37.30 for entry-level positions to $90.02 for experienced specialists, reflecting the different levels of skill and expertise required across this sector. These hourly rates have been estimated based on annual salary data, incorporating the broader economic context in which these optometrists operate.
About the McDonough 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) | $37.30 | $298.42 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.71 | $413.65 |
| Median (P50) | $62.21 | $497.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $72.62 | $580.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $90.02 | $720.14 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in McDonough
Based on $62.21/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $62.21/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in McDonough, GA can expect to earn approximately $129,394 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $74,650. With a cost-of-living index of 93.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in McDonough.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in McDonough
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,488.34 | $10,783 | $129,394 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,493.00 | $6,470 | $77,636 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $995.33 | $4,313 | $51,757 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (McDonough) | $62.21 |
| 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 McDonough, GA earn a median of $129,394 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.98% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 3.60% below the Georgia state average of $134,226.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $62.21/hr = $77,636/year (purchasing power: $83,390).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $129,394/year (purchasing power: $138,983).
CoL index: 93.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$50.99/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$60.42/hr
2026 Current Est.
$62.21/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in McDonough (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50.99/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $52.23/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $54.99/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $55.56/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $58.34/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $56.08/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $60.42/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62.21/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64.05/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in McDonough grew 18.5% from $50.99/hr (2019) to $60.42/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $64.05/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 McDonough 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 McDonough
Earning potential for part-time optometrists in McDonough can vary significantly; a typical 3-day work week (approximately 24 hours) translates to an annual income that may not match that of full-time counterparts but still remains competitive within the region. Per diem optometrists might find themselves billing anywhere from $500 to $800 a day at retail chains or $700 to $1,200 in OD/MD practices, making these roles lucrative for those willing to handle a variable schedule. The hourly rates can differ notably among employer types, with retail optical chains and private practices offering distinct compensation structures. Moreover, some optometrists may accept lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance, while others may prefer higher pay and flexibility without those benefits. Newcomers and seasoned professionals alike in McDonough can successfully negotiate their pay by showcasing their qualifications and leveraging the growing scope of practice in optometry, which includes managing conditions such as glaucoma and administering minor procedures in certain states.
More salary data for McDonough, 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 McDonough. 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 McDonough 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