Optometrist Hourly Pay in Milton, GA: $62.08 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Milton, GA runs $62.08 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $129,133 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Milton's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.1, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $66.69 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $77,482 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Milton, Georgia, the projected median optometrist hourly pay for 2026 is $62.08, reflecting a comparatively lower rate than the national median of $67.60. This figure indicates a potential income of approximately $124,160 for a full-time schedule, but also establishes a solid base for part-time professionals or per-diem optometrists who might work three days a week. When considering the per-day scenario, optometrists in settings such as private exam rooms, retail optical chains, and VA outpatient clinics may find themselves earning between $37.02 at the lower end of the pay scale to around $91.80 for the highest earners in Milton. The variation in hourly rates derived from annual salary data demonstrates the diverse opportunities available, although it may also reflect regional cost-of-living factors, with Milton's cost of living index at 93.1, below the national average.
About the Milton 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) | $37.02 | $296.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.46 | $411.68 |
| Median (P50) | $62.08 | $496.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $72.33 | $578.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $91.80 | $734.39 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Milton
Based on $62.08/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $62.08/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Milton, GA can expect to earn approximately $129,137 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $74,502. With a cost-of-living index of 93.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Milton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Milton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,483.40 | $10,761 | $129,137 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,490.04 | $6,457 | $77,482 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $993.36 | $4,305 | $51,655 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Milton) | $62.08 |
| 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 Milton, GA earn a median of $129,133 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.16% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 3.80% below the Georgia state average of $134,234.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $62.08/hr = $77,482/year (purchasing power: $83,224).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $129,137/year (purchasing power: $138,707).
CoL index: 93.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$50.89/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$60.30/hr
2026 Current Est.
$62.08/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Milton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50.89/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $52.12/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $54.88/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $55.45/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $58.22/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $55.97/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $60.30/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62.08/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63.92/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Milton grew 18.5% from $50.89/hr (2019) to $60.30/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $63.92/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 Milton 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 Milton
Examining the part-time earning potential further, an optometrist working a typical 24-hour week could net around $96,000 annually, significantly less than their full-time counterparts, but still a respectable figure given the flexibility afforded. For those considering per-diem work, options exist that can result in daily payments ranging vastly, from around $500-$800 per day at retail optical chains to as much as $1,200 for fill-in positions in OD/MD practices. This diversity in compensation also highlights how different employer types in Milton impact pay scales. While solo and group private practices generally offer lower hourly rates, they may provide benefits that retail chains do not, making the choice between higher hourly pay and job security a personal decision. Optometrists in Milton should be strategic about negotiations; understanding market standards can aid in ensuring competitive compensation, especially in a landscape where optometry's scope of practice continues to expand, providing opportunities to justify higher rates.
More salary data for Milton, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Milton in 2026?
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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 Milton. 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 Milton 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