Optometrist Hourly Pay in Terre Haute, IN: $67.40 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Terre Haute, IN runs $67.40 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $140,198 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Terre Haute's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.3, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $73.82 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $84,112 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Terre Haute, Indiana, the optometrist hourly pay stands at a median of $67.40, which positions it slightly below the national median of $67.60. This hourly rate is advantageous for those considering part-time roles, such as working three days a week; it allows for manageable scheduling while earning a competitive wage. Per-diem practitioners also benefit from the flexibility of the hourly model while working in various settings like private optometry exam rooms, retail chains, and VA outpatient eye clinics. The hourly range for optometrists in the area spans from $39.09 for entry-level positions to $97.55 for those at the top of the pay scale, demonstrating a robust opportunity for career advancement and specialization within the profession.
About the Terre Haute 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) | $39.09 | $312.75 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53.28 | $426.25 |
| Median (P50) | $67.40 | $539.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $81.93 | $655.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $97.55 | $780.44 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Terre Haute
Based on $67.40/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $67.40/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Terre Haute, IN can expect to earn approximately $140,187 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $80,877. With a cost-of-living index of 91.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Terre Haute.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Terre Haute
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,695.90 | $11,682 | $140,187 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,617.54 | $7,009 | $84,112 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,078.36 | $4,673 | $56,075 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Terre Haute) | $67.40 |
| 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 Terre Haute, IN earn a median of $140,198 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.29% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 1.00% above the Indiana state average of $138,809.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $67.40/hr = $84,112/year (purchasing power: $92,127).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $140,187/year (purchasing power: $153,545).
CoL index: 91.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$55.24/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$65.46/hr
2026 Current Est.
$67.40/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Terre Haute (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55.24/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $56.58/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $59.58/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $60.20/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $63.20/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $57.63/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $65.46/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67.40/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69.39/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Terre Haute grew 18.5% from $55.24/hr (2019) to $65.46/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $69.39/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 Terre Haute 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 Terre Haute
Working part-time as an optometrist in Terre Haute can yield substantial benefits, reflecting an annual take-home income that, while lower than a typical full-time position, still supports a comfortable lifestyle. For instance, a part-time optometrist working 24 hours a week may earn roughly $81,211 annually, creating an appealing option for professionals seeking work-life balance. Per-diem optometrists in this area can command significant daily rates, with compensation ranging from $500 to $1,200 depending on the nature of the work, such as filling in at retail chains or higher-end OD/MD practices. Employers such as private optometry groups and retail chains often influence hourly pay rates, with private practices sometimes offering lower rates for salaried roles that provide health benefits. This employer variation entails a trade-off where some optometrists accept less hourly compensation for the stability of insurance and consistent hours, providing an important consideration for job seekers in the field. Additionally, negotiation can be more strategic in Terre Haute's optometry market, where industry knowledge about local demand and clinical skills can be leveraged to secure better terms.
More salary data for Terre Haute, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Terre Haute in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Terre Haute?
Are optometrists in Terre Haute paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Terre Haute?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Terre Haute?
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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 Terre Haute. 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 Terre Haute 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