Optometrist Hourly Pay in Zionsville, IN: $64.12 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Zionsville, IN runs $64.12 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $133,369 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Zionsville's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.3, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $70.23 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $80,026 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Zionsville, Indiana, the optometrist hourly pay stands at $64.12, slightly below the national median of $67.60 for 2026. This hourly rate provides a solid income for both full-time and part-time practitioners, especially those who may choose to work three days a week. For part-time optometrists, the flexibility of working fewer hours does not necessarily equate to significantly lower earnings, especially in environments like private exam rooms or retail optical chain locations, where employment opportunities abound. The hourly compensation ranges from $37.19 at the entry level to $92.39 for the top earners, providing a robust earning potential despite the lower median when compared to national figures.
About the Zionsville 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) | $37.19 | $297.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.62 | $412.99 |
| Median (P50) | $64.12 | $512.99 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76.96 | $615.70 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $92.39 | $739.09 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Zionsville
Based on $64.12/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $64.12/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Zionsville, IN can expect to earn approximately $133,377 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $76,948. With a cost-of-living index of 91.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Zionsville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Zionsville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,564.94 | $11,115 | $133,377 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,538.96 | $6,669 | $80,026 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,025.98 | $4,446 | $53,351 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Zionsville) | $64.12 |
| 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 Zionsville, IN earn a median of $133,369 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.15% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 3.90% below the Indiana state average of $138,782.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $64.12/hr = $80,026/year (purchasing power: $87,652).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $133,377/year (purchasing power: $146,086).
CoL index: 91.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$52.56/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$62.28/hr
2026 Current Est.
$64.12/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Zionsville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52.56/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $53.83/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $56.68/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $57.27/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $60.13/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $54.82/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $62.28/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64.12/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66.02/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Zionsville grew 18.5% from $52.56/hr (2019) to $62.28/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $66.02/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 Zionsville 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 Zionsville
When analyzing earning potential further, a part-time optometrist in Zionsville who works 24 hours a week can earn approximately $82,160 annually, a respectable sum that still trails a full-time counterpart's potential. Per diem optometrists in the area often receive pay ranging from $500 to $800 per day at retail chains, while those filling in at OD/MD practices can command up to $1,200 per day based on demand and existing contracts. It's also crucial to note that hourly rates can vary considerably across employer types; private practices might offer different rates compared to retail chains or ocular disease specialties. Some optometrists may accept lower hourly rates with benefits such as health insurance, while others seek higher rates without them. Practical tips for negotiation include emphasizing specialized training, such as residency training, to leverage higher compensation. Exploring these options ensures that optometrists in Zionsville make informed choices about their career paths.
More salary data for Zionsville, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Zionsville in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Zionsville?
Are optometrists in Zionsville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Zionsville?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Zionsville?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Indiana
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 Zionsville. 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 Zionsville 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