Optometrist Hourly Pay in Ames, IA: $60.81 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Ames, IA runs $60.81 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $126,492 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Ames's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $67.27 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $75,889 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Ames, Iowa, the projected median optometrist hourly pay stands at $60.81 as of 2026, which is notably lower than the national median of $67.60 per hour. This figure can significantly influence various employment scenarios, especially for those working part-time or as per-diem optometrists in clinical settings ranging from private exam rooms to retail optical chains and hospital systems. Part-time optometrists working three days a week might expect to earn roughly half of a full-time salary based on this hourly rate. Moreover, the hourly earnings can vary greatly, with entry-level professionals earning around $35.27 while more experienced optometrists reach up to $92.28, providing a diverse earning landscape in Ames.
About the Ames Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35.27 | $282.19 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46.98 | $375.85 |
| Median (P50) | $60.81 | $486.47 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $75.15 | $601.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $92.28 | $738.26 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Ames
Based on $60.81/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $60.81/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Ames, IA can expect to earn approximately $126,481 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $72,970. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Ames.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Ames
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,432.33 | $10,540 | $126,481 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,459.40 | $6,324 | $75,889 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $972.93 | $4,216 | $50,592 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Ames) | $60.81 |
| 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 Ames, IA earn a median of $126,492 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.04% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 0.50% below the Iowa state average of $127,127.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $60.81/hr = $75,889/year (purchasing power: $83,948).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $126,481/year (purchasing power: $139,913).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$49.84/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$59.06/hr
2026 Current Est.
$60.81/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Ames (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49.84/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $51.05/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $53.75/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $54.31/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $57.02/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $55.36/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $59.06/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60.81/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62.61/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Ames grew 18.5% from $49.84/hr (2019) to $59.06/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $62.61/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 Ames 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 Ames
For those considering part-time positions, working three days a week typically translates to an annual income that is considerably lower than a full-time optometrist's earnings. In contrast, per-diem roles in Ames can offer substantial daily earning potential, with optometrists billing between $500 and $800 at retail chains and even higher at OD/MD practices, where pay can range from $700 to $1,200 per day. This variability reflects the different pay structures across employer types, including private optometry practices, retail chains like LensCrafters and Walmart Vision, and hospital affiliations. Some optometrists may choose lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits such as health insurance, creating a balance between immediate pay and long-term security. Negotiating pay as an hourly worker in Ames may involve understanding the demand for optometric services and leveraging experience, especially as the field continues to expand in scope, incorporating new treatment methodologies and technologies.
More salary data for Ames, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Ames in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Ames?
Are optometrists in Ames paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Ames?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Ames?
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 Ames. 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 Ames 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