Optometrist Hourly Pay in Plainfield, IN: $65.96 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Plainfield, IN runs $65.96 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $137,183 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Plainfield's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.3, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $72.24 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $82,313 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Plainfield, Indiana, the optometrist hourly pay stands at a median of $65.96, a figure slightly below the national hourly median of $67.60. This rate allows both full-time and part-time optometrists to enjoy competitive earning potential, particularly for those working three days a week, which is common in this profession. Part-time positions may be found in various settings such as private optometry practices, retail optical chains, and government-operated facilities. It's noteworthy that the hourly wage ranges widely, from $38.25 for entry-level roles to as much as $92.42 for accomplished practitioners, reflecting the diverse experiences and skills that optometrists bring to their work in Plainfield.
About the Plainfield Market
Salary estimated from Indiana average ($130,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.25 | $306.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55.37 | $442.98 |
| Median (P50) | $65.96 | $527.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $77.43 | $619.41 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $92.42 | $739.34 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Plainfield
Based on $65.96/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $65.96/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Plainfield, IN can expect to earn approximately $137,189 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $79,147. With a cost-of-living index of 91.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Plainfield.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Plainfield
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,638.25 | $11,432 | $137,189 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,582.95 | $6,859 | $82,313 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,055.30 | $4,573 | $54,876 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Plainfield) | $65.96 |
| 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 Plainfield, IN earn a median of $137,183 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.44% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 1.20% below the Indiana state average of $138,849.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $65.96/hr = $82,313/year (purchasing power: $90,157).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $137,189/year (purchasing power: $150,262).
CoL index: 91.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$54.06/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$64.06/hr
2026 Current Est.
$65.96/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Plainfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54.06/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $55.37/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $58.30/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $58.91/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $61.85/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $56.39/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $64.06/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65.96/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67.91/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Plainfield grew 18.5% from $54.06/hr (2019) to $64.06/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $67.91/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 Plainfield 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 Plainfield
Exploring the financial realities of optometrists, part-time professionals working 24 hours a week can anticipate a take-home amount significantly lower than their full-time counterparts, despite the flexibility offered. Per diem optometrists often command between $500-$800 per day in retail settings and can earn as much as $700-$1,200 per day in OD/MD practices. Those specialized in ocular disease, particularly residency-trained optometrists, can bill at rates of $90-$130/hour. Employment in various employer types—ranging from private practices to optical chains and military settings—leads to noticeable variations in compensation. For some, opting for lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits such as health insurance aligns better with long-term career goals. Negotiating in Plainfield can be strategic; knowing the prevailing rates and understanding the local demand can help optometrists secure better compensation. Understanding these nuances is especially important given the shifting dynamics in optometry employment, influenced by advancements in scope of practice and regional market conditions.
More salary data for Plainfield, IN:
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 Plainfield. 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 Plainfield 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