Optometrist Hourly Pay in Kailua, HI: $79.95 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Kailua, HI runs $79.95 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $166,292 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Kailua's regional price level (BEA RPP 119.3, 19% above national), each hour of work buys what $67.01 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $99,776 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kailua, HI, the median optometrist hourly pay is projected to be $79.95 in 2026, significantly exceeding the national median of $67.60. This elevated hourly rate reflects the area's demand for optometrists and supports various work arrangements. Part-time professionals working three days a week can expect to earn substantial income, particularly in diverse settings such as private exam rooms or retail optical chains. Entry-level optometrists may start at around $46.37 per hour, while experienced or top earners could make up to $115.11. This range allows for flexibility in practice environments, enhancing the appeal for those considering different employment structures, including per-diem work in settings such as VA outpatient clinics or university teaching clinics.
About the Kailua Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($140,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46.37 | $370.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $64.34 | $514.72 |
| Median (P50) | $79.95 | $639.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $95.92 | $767.34 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $115.11 | $920.87 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kailua
Based on $79.95/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $79.95/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kailua, HI can expect to earn approximately $166,293 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $95,938. With a cost-of-living index of 119.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Kailua.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kailua
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,197.94 | $13,858 | $166,293 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,918.76 | $8,315 | $99,776 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,279.18 | $5,543 | $66,517 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Kailua) | $79.95 |
| 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 Kailua, HI earn a median of $166,292 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.26% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 0.90% below the Hawaii state average of $167,802.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $79.95/hr = $99,776/year (purchasing power: $83,634).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $166,293/year (purchasing power: $139,390).
CoL index: 119.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$65.53/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$77.65/hr
2026 Current Est.
$79.95/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Kailua (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $65.53/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $67.12/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $70.67/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $71.41/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $74.97/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $79.60/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $77.65/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $79.95/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $82.31/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Kailua grew 18.5% from $65.53/hr (2019) to $77.65/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $82.31/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 Kailua 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 Kailua
Looking at the specifics for part-time and per-diem opportunities, an optometrist working just 24 hours a week could take home an annual income that varies based on whether they are in a general practice or an agency role. Per diem positions offer lucrative options; for example, optometrists filling in at retail chains can earn between $500 and $800 per day, while those in OD/MD practices might see rates ranging from $700 to $1,200 daily. Residency-trained ocular disease specialists may bill at $90-$130 per hour in hospital systems. There's a noticeable variation in hourly rates across different employer types in Kailua, with private practices generally offering a different structure than retail chains or ophthalmology practices. This variance often leads to trade-offs between slightly lower hourly rates with benefits and higher hourly pay without. For those negotiating hourly rates, it’s essential to emphasize specialty training and awareness of local market trends to secure competitive compensation.
More salary data for Kailua, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Kailua in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Kailua?
Are optometrists in Kailua paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Kailua?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Kailua?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
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 Kailua. 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 Kailua 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